University Hospital of Cagliari Researcher Adds New Data to Research in Nitroprusside Therapy (Potential proarrhythmic side effect of high dose and prolonged infusion of sodium nitroprusside through calcium ion reduction: A case report).

A recent report from the University Hospital of Cagliari in Italy discusses the potential proarrhythmic side effect of high-dose and prolonged infusion of sodium nitroprusside therapy. The researchers describe a case of an adult male with advanced heart failure who developed high thiocyanate levels and depletion of free calcium ions while being treated with sodium nitroprusside. This depletion of calcium ions led to ventricular arrhythmias, which were only resolved when the dosage of sodium nitroprusside was reduced. This case highlights the need for caution when administering sodium nitroprusside and suggests a potential link between thiocyanate toxicity and calcium ion depletion. [Extracted from the article]