Slow Down to Brake: Effects of Tapering Epinephrine on Potassium

Abstract

Hyperkalemia is not an uncommon complication of cardiac surgical procedures. Intractable hyperkalemia is a difficult situation that can even lead to death. We report on a postoperative case in a patient in whom a sudden decrease of epinephrine led to intractable hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. We wish to draw the reader's attention to the issue that sudden discontinuation of epinephrine can lead to dangerous hyperkalemia.