Korean J Anesthesiol.  2005 Nov;49(5):735-738. 10.4097/kjae.2005.49.5.735.

Hyperventilation Attack during Recovery from General Anesthesia: A case report

• Kim G
• Bae JH
• Lim SW

• KMID: 1936839
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2005.49.5.735

Abstract

A hyperventilation attack is common in people with overanxiety and nervous prostration. However, persistent hyperventilation can cause many severe complications. Although there have been many case reports and studies on the hyperventilation attack, there has been no case report that occured during the recovery from general anesthesia. We experienced a unique case of hyperventilation attack during recovery from general anesthesia. The patient was a previously healthy 18 years old female who did not have any other history of hyperventilation or psychogenic problems. During general anesthesia recovery, she suddenly hyperventilated (respiratory rates>50/min). This hyperventilation waxed and waned in proportion to the sedation by the target- controlled infusion with propofol. The respiratory rates were stabilized to below 20/minute in 5 hours later.

Keyword

anxiety; general anesthesia; hyperventilation attack.

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Anesthesia, General*
Anxiety
Female
Humans
Hyperventilation*
Propofol
Respiratory Rate
Propofol