Torsades de pointes and self-terminating ventricular fibrillation in a prescription methadone user

Authors: Atkinson, D.1; Dunne, A.2; Parker, M.3

Source: Anaesthesia, Volume 62, Number 9, September 2007 , pp. 952-955(4)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Summary

Methadone is known to prolong the QT interval and precipitate torsades de pointes. A 54-year-old prescription methadone user with hypokalaemia was referred to Critical Care with acute confusion and respiratory distress. Alcohol withdrawal was the presumed precipitant. The real precipitant only became evident on analysis of a 24-h ECG (Holter monitor) attached to the patient at the time. The patient had suffered prolonged (10 min) ventricular arrhythmias including torsades de pointes and self-terminating ventricular fibrillation. The patient made a full recovery. Risk factors for acquired long QT syndrome and the treatment of torsades de pointes are discussed.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2007.05129.x

Affiliations: 1:  Specialist Registrar in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine 2:  Critical Care Pharmacist 3:  Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Critical Care Unit, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$50.16 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A