Letter to the Editor

Adenosine-induced Respiratory Arrest in an Asthmatic Patient

Authors: John W. Patton, BS, Gyanendra K. Sharma, MD, FACP, FACC

Abstract

To the Editor:


Inhaled adenosine is well known to produce bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients. However, there have been few case reports and studies describing the airway effects of intravenous (IV) adenosine in the asthmatic population. Adenosine is a frequently used agent in pharmacologic cardiac stress testing, due to its effects on coronary vascular flow. It is generally regarded as safe, and side effects are typically self-limiting after termination of the infusion.1 However, we report a case of a clinically stable asthmatic patient who experienced a life-threatening and prolonged respiratory event after receiving IV adenosine.

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References

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