Elevated Serum Cobalt Concentrations Associated With Hydroxocobalamin Administration for Refractory Vasoplegia

COBALT IS an essential trace element involved in vitamin B12 and myocardial metabolism. Although biologically necessary for normal physiologic function, cobalt can cause serious adverse health effects at high exposure levels.1 Several case reports of patients with metal-on-metal implants or occupational exposure have suggested that elevated serum cobalt levels may lead to a variety of different systemic symptoms or complications including neurologic (auditory and visual impairment, cognitive decline, peripheral neuropathy); cardiovascular (cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias); and endocrine (hypothyroidism) abnormalities.
Source: Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research