A Case of Postprandial Hypotension in the Intensive Care Unit Treated With Acarbose

Postprandial hypotension (PPH) has not been described as a cause of hypotension after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the intensive care unit (ICU). A 74 year old man underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) due to monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. After the ROSC, inotropic agents were not reduced but increased. PPH had occurred, according to the flow sheet, so a provocation test was performed. We noted hypotension but no serum hypoglycemia or tachycardia. The hypotension was diagnosed as PPH. We chose acarbose for treatment; thus, the inotropic agents were discontinued. This is the first case in which hypotension occurred in a patient recovering after CPR in the ICU and that the PPH was treated with acarbose. PPH should be considered and treated to manage hypotension in elderly patients in the ICU.