1. Drug-induced QT prolongation and sudden death.
- Author
-
Del Rosario ME, Weachter R, and Flaker GC
- Subjects
- Adult, Anti-Arrhythmia Agents adverse effects, Anti-Bacterial Agents adverse effects, Anticonvulsants adverse effects, Antipsychotic Agents adverse effects, Azithromycin adverse effects, Clonidine adverse effects, Clonidine analogs & derivatives, Drug Interactions, Electrocardiography, Fatal Outcome, Female, Humans, Risk Factors, Death, Sudden, Cardiac, Long QT Syndrome chemically induced, Torsades de Pointes chemically induced
- Abstract
Prolongation of the QT interval can predispose to a potentially fatal polymorphic ventricular tachycardia called torsades de pointes (TdP). Although usually self-limited, TdP may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation and cause sudden death. Some medications that cause QT prolongation and possible TdP are commonly used in general practice. This paper presents a case of sudden death that is likely from drug-induced TdP. It reviews the mechanisms, risk factors, offending agents, and management of drug-induced torsades de pointes.
- Published
- 2010