Electrocardiographic changes during subconjunctival injections

Kayikçioǧlu Ö., Kayikçioǧlu M., Erakgün T., Güler C.

International Ophthalmology, vol.23, no.1, pp.37-41, 1999 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 1999
  • Doi Number: 10.1023/a:1006486207583
  • Journal Name: International Ophthalmology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.37-41
  • Keywords: oculocardiac reflex, subconjuctival injection
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Electrocardiographic changes were investigated in 53 patients during subconjunctival drug injections. Decrease in heart-rate of more than 10% or arrhythmia was observed in 25 (47.2%) of the patients, who were considered to have a positive oculocardiac reflex. In the control group of 35 patients, only 3 (8.6%) were found to have a significant decrease in heart rate during blood sampling from antecubital vein (p = 0.000). Young age was a significant risk factor for oculocardiac reflex during injections (p = 0.01). Patient gender, verbal pain score, satiety, experience of periocular injections, injected drug type were not found to be risk factors. All patients with oculocardiac reflex were asymptomatic; however, it is still wise to have emergency supplies ready for any circulatory derangement during subconjunctival injections.