My 11 year old was born with hypoplastic left heart ,she was doing find up until 10/05.She had two heart attacks.The emergency room in N.C put a IV in her left arm,when her heart stopped DUMC put epinephrine in the IV.it burned her arm below the elbow inside out.12/05 she had to get her arm amputated below the elbow.
2006-11-30 14:11:53 · 5 answers · asked by curious in N.C 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Well, she might be dead if not for the epi. be thankful you have your daughter.
2006-11-30 14:40:33 · answer #1 · answered by kirsten j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the only case that I know of where epinephrine has led to amputation but you are correct that epinephrine may lead to 'spasm' of an artery (but not a vein and the medication was administered intra venously) which may compromise circulation but to my knowledge this is only an issue in very 'small' blood vessels such as those in the fingers. Hypoplastic left heart is grievous enough and now you have another burden to bear so you have my best wishes. If you wish to prove that the IV epi led to the amputation begin by asking for a COMPLETE copy of the medical record and have this reviewed by your physician.
2006-12-01 10:14:48 · answer #2 · answered by john e russo md facm faafp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
epinephrine is the appropriate drug for resusatation. The only thing is if you can prove that the iv was not int he vein. Even then, you may have to prove that they knew it was outside of the vein and perhaps even that they purposefully put it outside of the vein. Sorry about your daughter.
2006-11-30 22:16:34 · answer #3 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to consult an attorney and perhaps a doctor you trust who could possibly shed some light on what needed to happen while your daughter was hospitalized. Good Luck!
2006-11-30 22:21:11 · answer #4 · answered by suz' 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting an answer here is not the best place. I would recommend seeing a malpractice attorney.
2006-11-30 22:15:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋