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Ventricular fibrillation due to long QT syndrome probably caused by clindamycin
A Gabel1, G Schymik, H C Mehmel
1II. Medizinische Klinik im Städtischen Klinikum, Karlsruhe, Germany. medilekt@aol.com
Abstract:
Prolongation of QT time interval may be provoked by a limited number of drugs, especially macrolide antibiotics. We describe a case of QT time interval prolongation induced by clindamycin with subsequent repeated ventricular fibrillation and resuscitation; there is no previous report in the literature of QT time prolongation caused by lincosamides.
Insights
Clindamycin, a lincosamide antibiotic, can prolong the QT interval, potentially causing dangerous heart rhythms like ventricular fibrillation. This case highlights a rare but serious adverse effect of this commonly used drug.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- The QT interval prolongation is a known adverse effect of certain medications, particularly macrolide antibiotics.
- Lincosamides are a class of antibiotics, with clindamycin being a common example.
Observation:
- A patient experienced significant QT interval prolongation after receiving clindamycin.
- This was followed by recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation, necessitating resuscitation.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of clindamycin-induced QT interval prolongation in medical literature.
- The event underscores the potential cardiotoxic effects of lincosamide antibiotics.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the risk of QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias associated with clindamycin.
- Further research may be warranted to evaluate the cardiotoxicity profile of lincosamides.
- Monitoring of cardiac function may be considered in patients at risk receiving clindamycin.