Recurrent post-hyperventilation apnea with severe hypoxia after general anesthesia - 2 case reports

Eunju Kim; Jong-cheol Son; Hyun Kim

Volume : VII, Issue : XI, November - 2018

Recurrent post-hyperventilation apnea with severe hypoxia after general anesthesia - 2 case reports

Eunju Kim, Jong Cheol Son, Hyun Kim

Abstract :

Post-hyperventilation hypoxemia is caused by apnea and ventilation-perfusion mismatch of the lungs, which can lead to severe hypoxemia if the duration of apnea is prolonged. Hyperventilation syndrome after general anesthesia can cause prolonged apnea due to benzodiazepine, opioid, neuromuscular blocking agent and can make severe hypoxemia due to atelectasis. We experienced two patients with recurrent apnea and sudden hypoxemia after hyperventilation syndrome after general anesthesia. We were able to treat hyperventilation, which was not treated with the drug, with a reeathing mask and to terminate the recurrence of apnea and hypoxemia.