Tamsulosin-induced life-threatening hypotension in a patient with spinal cord injury: A case report

World Journal of Clinical Cases, 2022 · DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i25.9142 · Published: September 6, 2022

Urology Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Tamsulosin is a common medication for bladder issues after spinal cord injury. This report highlights a case where it caused severely low blood pressure. A woman with a spinal cord injury experienced life-threatening hypotension after taking tamsulosin for 9 days. Other causes were ruled out. This case suggests doctors should be cautious when prescribing tamsulosin to spinal cord injury patients, as it could lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

A 59-year-old woman

Evidence Level

Level 4, Case Report

Key Findings

1
Tamsulosin, used for neurogenic bladder in a patient with SCI, led to life-threatening hypotension after 9 days of treatment.
2
The patient experienced a sudden drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mmHg, and later to 50/40 mmHg, with associated symptoms.
3
Symptoms resolved after stopping tamsulosin, leading to the conclusion that tamsulosin was the likely cause of the severe hypotension.

Research Summary

This case report details a 59-year-old woman with cervical spinal cord myelopathy who experienced life-threatening hypotension after being treated with tamsulosin for neurogenic bladder. The patient's symptoms included a significant drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and other hypotensive symptoms, which occurred after 9 days of tamsulosin use. Other potential causes were ruled out. The report concludes that caution is needed when administering tamsulosin to patients with SCI for neurogenic bladder, as it may induce severe hypotension.

Practical Implications

Clinical Awareness

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe hypotension when prescribing tamsulosin to patients with spinal cord injuries.

Risk Factor Assessment

Assess patients with SCI for risk factors such as orthostatic hypotension and vasovagal symptoms before initiating tamsulosin treatment.

Further Research

Additional studies are needed to investigate the potential for severe side effects of tamsulosin in patients with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Strict management of urinary retention may have influenced tamsulosin use.
2
The patient refused to undergo a urodynamic study, limiting diagnostic information.
3
Hemoglobin A1c level of the patient was not examined.

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