Refractory ventricular fibrillation with prolonged resuscitation in dialysis-sensitive dysrhythmic patient

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death is a leading cause of death in chronic renal failure patients. We present a case of refractory ventricular fibrillation with successful prolonged resuscitation (> 1 hour) without neurological sequel in an outpatient dialysis centre. Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is able to identify patients as dialysis-sensitive. Smoother potassium removal during hemodialysis could eliminate dysrhythmias. Prehospital (point-of-care) blood gas analysis can be helpful especially in prolonged resuscitation.