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 mo-nomorphic 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.