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What is the best treatment for torsades de pointes?

By Eleanor Gray

Treatment of torsade de pointes includes: isoproterenol infusion, cardiac pacing, and intravenous atropine. Intravenous magnesium sulfate, a relatively new mode of therapy for torsade de pointes, was proven to be extremely effective and is now regarded as the treatment of choice for this arrhythmia.

Is torsade de pointes curable?

Most cases of torsades de pointes resolve on their own without treatment. However, it can develop into ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to cardiac arrest and may even be fatal.

What drug is used for torsades de pointes with Hypomagnesaemia?

Intravenous magnesium is the drug of choice for torsades de pointes. Magnesium is effective even in patients with normal magnesium levels. Acceleration of the heart rate can be achieved by using beta 1-adrenergic agonists such as isoprenaline or overdrive electrical pacing.

Why do you treat torsades de pointes with magnesium?

Magnesium is the drug of choice for suppressing early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and terminating the arrhythmia. Magnesium achieves this by decreasing the influx of calcium, thus lowering the amplitude of EADs. Magnesium can be given at 1-2 g IV initially in 30-60 seconds, which then can be repeated in 5-15 minutes.

How do you treat torsades?

The torsades rhythm is treated with magnesium sulfate 2 g IV over 1 to 2 minutes, correction of hypokalemia, pacing or isoproterenol to increase heart rate, and correction of the cause.

How do I terminate torsades?

Pulseless torsades should be defibrillated. Intravenous magnesium is the first-line pharmacologic therapy in Torsades de Pointes. Magnesium has been shown to stabilize the cardiac membrane, though the exact mechanism is unknown. The recommended initial dose of magnesium is a slow 2 g IV push.

How does magnesium affect torsades?

Magnesium sulphate suppresses torsade by decreasing the influx of calcium ions, which in turn results in decreased amplitude of EADs. The initial dose is 2 g (20 ml of 10% solution), given intravenously over one to two minutes.

What are side effects of magnesium sulfate?

Side effects of magnesium sulfate injection include:

  • heart disturbances,
  • breathing difficulties,
  • poor reflexes,
  • confusion,
  • weakness,
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling),
  • sweating,
  • lowered blood pressure,

What are the treatment options for torsade de pointes?

Treatment of torsade de pointes is aimed at shortening the QT interval. By acceleration of the heart rate, the QT interval is shortened, thus preventing the recurrence of the arrhythmia. Treatment of torsade de pointes includes: isoproterenol infusion, cardiac pacing, and intravenous atropine.

What is torsades de pointes in the heart?

Torsades de pointes is an uncommon type of ventricular tachycardia, or disturbance of the heart’s rhythm. It is a complication of the rare condition called long-QT syndrome or LQTS, and it can be life-threatening. In this article, learn about the symptoms and treatment of torsades de pointes. What is torsades de pointes?

Is intravenous magnesium sulfate effective for torsade de pointes?

Intravenous magnesium sulfate, a relatively new mode of therapy for torsade de pointes, was proven to be extremely effective and is now regarded as the treatment of choice for this arrhythmia. Publication types Review MeSH terms

What is idiopathic torsades de pointes?

These include: In cases where there is no known cause, the condition is known as idiopathic torsades de pointes. In some cases, torsades de pointes will just be monitored rather than treated. Torsades de pointes can have life-threatening complications, so immediate treatment is vital.