• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.151-155
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• 2012

A vasovagal reaction is defined as the 'development of hypotension and bradycardia associated with the typical clinical manifestations of pallor, sweating and weakness'. The most profound degree of vasovagal reaction results in fainting or syncope. Incidence of vasovagal reactions in the local anesthetic department of a dental hospital is around 2%. The pathophysiology of the hypotension/bradycardia reflex responsible for vasovagal syncope is not completely understood. Central as well as peripheral mechanisms have been implicated in its pathogenesis: however their relative contribution is not fully elucidated. Recently, trigeminocardiac reflex, previously known as oculocardiac reflex, may serve as syncope. The management of vasovagal syncope is evolving. Non-pharmacological treatment options are a fundamental first step of all treatment pathways. In this article, we would like to review new mechanism of vasovagal syncope and hope to be of help to manage the syncopal patients.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.206-211
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• 2023

Objectives : Needle sickness is one of the adverse events of acupuncture, although substantial adverse effects during a routine acupuncture treatment seem to be highly unusual. In this work, we propose that an acupuncture-related vasovagal response resembles needle sickness during acupuncture therapy. Methods : In this article, we discussed the general characteristics of vasovagal syncope and went into more detail on vasovagal syncope in people who have a fear of blood injection and injury. We also offer a recommendation for the prevention and management of vasovagal syncope brought on by acupuncture. Results : The vasovagal reaction related to acupuncture is closely associated with needle sickness. The prevention can be done using PEACHES (position, experience, anxiety, constitution, hydration, environment, symptom recognition) principles. The management should be conducted using the RIPCORD (recognize, initiate, position, communicate, order treatments, reassess, document) techniques. Conclusions : It is important to comprehend the characteristics of needle sickness as a vasovagal reaction related to acupuncture. According to the recommendation, practitioners should effectively prevent and manage needle sickness.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.108-113
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and socioenvironmental characteristics of sudden cardiorespiratory arrest after venipuncture in children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective email-based survey of all members of the Korean Pediatric Society. The questionnaire included items on patient demographics, socioenvironmental circumstances of the venipuncture, type of cardiorespiratory arrest, symptoms and signs, treatment, prognosis, and presumed cause of the arrest. Results: Fourteen patients were identified. Of these, 13 were young children (<2 years old), and 1 was 14 years old. All patients had been previously healthy and had no specific risk factors for sudden cardiorespiratory arrest. Most cases (n=11, 79%) were defined as cardiac or cardiorespiratory arrest, while the remaining cases (n=3, 21%) were defined as respiratory arrest. Aspiration (n=3), acute myocarditis (n=2), and laryngeal chemoreflex (n=1) were presumed as the causes; however, the exact causes were unclear. The overall prognosis was poor (death, n=7; morbidity, n=5; full recovery, n=2). The medical institutions faced severe backlash because of these incidents (out-of-court settlement, n=5; medical lawsuit, n=5; continuous harassment, n=3). Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory arrest after venipuncture is unpredictable and the probable cause of most cases is a vasovagal reaction. Medical personnel must be aware of the risk of unexpected cardiorespiratory arrest during routine intravenous procedures.

• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.243-250
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• 2014

Generalized anaphylaxis is a most dramatic and acutely life-threatening allergic reaction and may cause death within a few minutes. Differential diagnosis of anaphylaxis is made by clinical signs, such as, mental change, respiratory distress, hypotension, hypoglycemia, urticaria and angioedema. Especially, insulin reaction, myocardial infarction and vasovagal syncope are considered as differential diagnosis. In cases of fatal anaphylaxis, respiratory and cardiovascular disturbances predominate and are evident early in the reaction. This is a case report of the intensive care of anaphylactic shock after intravenous injection of the penicillin in a old medically compromised patient with the maxillary osteonecrosis. The anaphylactic shock symptoms, such as, unconsciousness, respiratory disorder, no pulsation on carotid artery and cardiopulmonary arrest are occurred in intravenous injection of augmentin 1.2 g after the skin test. In spite of immediate emergency cares, such as intravenous injection of epinephrine, endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and continuous intensive care, the patient is expired in 58 hours after anaphylactic shock attack.