Bolus potassium in frustrated ventricular fibrillation storm: Evidence are growing!

Abstract

In reference to the letter from Jouffroy et al, regarding our case report, 1 we do agree that intravenous potassium should be considered as an option for the management of refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) after further studies. Studies on the role of potassium in the management of refractory VF are limited. 2 Potassium was used to convert VF after aortic declamping 3 ; however, the role of potassium during cardiopulmonary resuscitation was not established. Our patient was on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with normal potassium levels. 4 We used intravenous potassium aiming to induce diastolic cardiac arrest through hyperkalemia, however unexpectedly, the rhythm was converted to sinus rhythm. The successful use of potassium to convert post cardiopulmonary bypass VF and this case report should encourage future studies on the role of potassium in the management of refractory VF.