[Piloerection: a side effect of intravenous administration of dobutamine.] Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia [Arq Bras Cardiol] Journal article

BACKGROUND: When a dobutamine stress echocardiogram is performed, piloerection is frequently found in the scalp area.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to establish the incidence of this phenomenon and its association with other clinical findings.
METHODS: A total of 218 consecutive patients that underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography in our department were included in the study.
RESULTS: Piloerection was present in 42.2% of the sample. No correlations could be established between piloerection and gender, result of the stress test or other side effects. A statistically significant correlation was established with the age of the patients: piloerection was present in 73% of patients aged 50 years or younger. It appears most often with a dobutamine dose of 10 microg/kg/min.
CONCLUSION: Piloerection is a frequent side effect of dobutamine infusion, particularly in patients aged 50 or less; it usually precedes the increase in heart rate caused by dobutamine; therefore, it is an early and clear indication that the intravenous set is working properly. Also, the previous warning of its possible appearance may contribute to the patient's well-being.

Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia [Arq Bras Cardiol]