Torsades De Pointes

Question 1

What is Torsades de pointes

Answer 1

Ventricular tachycardia

Question 2

List MODIFIABLE predisposing risk factors

Answer 2

• electrolyte imbalance
• simultaneous use of QT interval prolonging drugs

Question 3

List NON-MODIFIABLE predisposing risk factors

Answer 3

• congenial long QT interval
• renal and hepatic impairment
• cardiac disease
• thyroid disease
• female
• 65+

Question 4

List drugs which can cause Torsades de Pointes

Answer 4

• antimicrobials - clarythromycin
• antiarythmics - Sotalol
• antipsychotics - clozapine
• antidepressants - amytriptyline
• antiemetic- domperidone
• opioid - methadone