Accidental self-injection of intravenous epinephrine by healthcare personnel

Abstract

Epinephrine is a key drug used in resuscitation, including advanced life support situations. A 28-year-old nurse inadvertently injected herself with an ampule of epinephrine and was brought to the emergency department. The injection caused a drop in blood pressure, pulmonary edema, and cardiac enzyme elevation. Upon further evaluation, echocardiography revealed left ventricular wall motion abnormality with reduced ejection fraction. The patient was diagnosed with stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SCMP) and was treated appropriately. After a short stay in the intensive care unit as the vital signs were affected, the patient was transferred to the ward on the second day of hospitalization and was well enough to be discharged on the fifth day. The treatment of SCMP induced by epinephrine is largely conservative with a symptomatic approach. In most cases, the outcome is favorable. Inappropriate drug use, accidental or otherwise, can pose a great risk. More stringent caution should be practiced by medical staff in handling medication to prevent serious medication-related accidents.