Ionised hypocalcaemia has been observed post-cardiac arrest in previous studies. Investigators in Utah induced VF in a swine model and resuscitated them back to spontaneous circulation1. Ionised hypocalcaemia was associated with hypotension and impaired LV function, and its treatment with a calcium infusion resulted in improved mean arterial pressure and left ventricular stroke work.
Although iv calcium is not recommended as a blind treatment in cardiac arrest, in part due to concerns about exacerbating cellular injury, this study reminds us that the treatment of ionised hypocalcaemia is important, and may be necessary after ROSC.
1. Hypocalcemia following resuscitation from cardiac arrest revisited
Resuscitation 2010 Jan;81:117–122
