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[Extracorporeal life support in calcium antagonist intoxication].

BACKGROUND
Intoxication with calcium antagonists is associated with poor outcome. Even mild calcium antagonist overdose may be fatal.


CASE DESCRIPTION
A 51-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man came to the Accident and Emergency Department in severe shock after they had taken a calcium antagonist overdose. After extensive medicinal therapy had failed, they both needed extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge to recovery.


CONCLUSION
In severe calcium antagonist overdose, the combination of vasoplegia and cardiac failure leads to refractory shock. ECLS temporarily supports the circulation and maintains organ perfusion. In this way ECLS functions as a bridge to recovery and may possibly save lives. Timely consultation with and referral to an ECLS centre is recommended in patients with calcium antagonist overdose.