Systemic toxic effects of local anaesthetics

Publication date: Available online 23 February 2016 Source:Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine Author(s): Christina Beecroft, Gillian Davies Systemic toxicity from local anaesthetic agent use is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. It most commonly occurs following inadvertent intravascular injection. High plasma levels of local anaesthetic lead to central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity. Treatment of toxicity is mainly supportive; however, there is now evidence for the use of lipid emulsions in the management of severe local anaesthetic toxicity.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research