Saturday, October 31, 2009

broad complex tachycardia & Torsade de pointes




Torsade de pointes:
A form of VT, with a constantly varying axis, often in the setting of long-QT syndromes (ECG);
This can be congenital or acquired, eg from drugs (eg some anti-dysrhythmics, tricyclics, antimalarials, and newer antipsychotics).
Torsade in the setting of congenital long-QT syndromes can be treated with high doses of β-blockers.
In acquired long-QT syndromes, stop all predisposing drugs, correct hypokalaemia, and give (2g IV over 10 min).
Alternatives include: overdrive pacing or isoprenaline IVI to increase heart rate.

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