Citation

Evans B, Cox A, Nicol E, Patil Mead M, Behr E. J. R. Army Med. Corps 2015; 161(3): 253-258.

Affiliation

St George's, University of London, London, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, UK Royal Army Medical Corps)

DOI

10.1136/jramc-2015-000492

PMID

26272949

Abstract

Members of the Armed Forces may be exposed to drugs, or combinations of drugs, with the potential to prolong the QRS or QT intervals. The effect of this is to increase the likelihood of developing dangerous ventricular tachyarrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes or ventricular fibrillation. Common examples of the pharmacological agents associated include antibiotics, antiemetics and antimalarials. Genetic predisposition, electrolyte disturbance, anaesthesia and trauma may exacerbate the proarrhythmic effect of these medications. Screening of recruits does not detect all those with a genetic predisposition to drug-associated arrhythmias, so vigilance in preventing this iatrogenic disorder and recognising and appropriately managing it when present is important. This article explains the physiological basis of arrhythmogenesis, outlines the clinical features and provides guidance on investigation and management, with particular reference to military patients.

Language: en