Hypotension Unresponsive to Fluid Resuscitation: A Case Report
- PMID: 36049191
- PMCID: PMC9436499
- DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2022.4.55896
Hypotension Unresponsive to Fluid Resuscitation: A Case Report
Abstract
Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia is commonly seen in the emergency department (ED), and the cause can be complex and variable.
Case report: We present a case of a female without known medical history who presented to the ED for generalized weakness and was found to have severe anemia in the setting of chronic lice infestation.
Conclusion: Severe and chronic pediculosis can cause chronic blood loss and be an unusual and rare cause of iron deficiency anemia. In the setting of anemia and hypotension unresponsive to fluid resuscitation, consideration should be given to early packed red blood cell transfusion and subsequent investigation of causes of severe anemia.
Conflict of interest statement
References
-
- World Health Organization. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. 2011. [Accessed February 28, 2021]. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/85839.
-
- Goldman L, Schafer AI. Goldman-Cecil Medicine, 2-Volume Set. 26th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier; 2019. Approach to the anemias.
-
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites—lice. 2013. [Accessed February 28, 2021]. Available at: www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/index.html.
-
- Speare R, Canyon DV, Melrose W. Quantification of blood intake of the head louse: pediculus humanus capitis. Int J Dermatol. 2006;45(5):543–6. - PubMed
-
- Guss DA, Koenig M, Castillo EM. Severe iron deficiency anemia and lice infestation. J Emerg Med. 2011;41(4):362–5. - PubMed