[Flecainid intoxication: Evolution, complications and care of]

H Bensussan1, K Mhamdi2

  • 1Cardiologie, DES de cardiologie et médecine vasculaire, CHU de Tours, avenue de la République, 37170 Chambray les Tours, France.

Annales De Cardiologie Et D'Angeiologie
|April 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A young man with Asperger syndrome experienced ventricular tachycardia after ingesting flecainide. This case highlights the potential for delayed adverse effects from flecainide, even days after ingestion.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Flecainide is an antiarrhythmic medication.
  • Asperger syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Observation:

  • A 24-year-old male with Asperger syndrome ingested a significant quantity of flecainide.
  • The patient developed ventricular tachycardia, a serious adverse effect.

Findings:

  • The ventricular tachycardia was attributed to flecainide's membrane-stabilizing effect.
  • Prolonged intensive care unit stay was necessitated by the adverse event.
  • Literature review indicated mid-term leaching of flecainide, suggesting delayed toxicity.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering delayed toxicity from flecainide, particularly in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Awareness of flecainide leaching is crucial for managing overdose cases.
  • Further research into flecainide pharmacokinetics and toxicity in specific patient populations is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
363
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
220
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
251
Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VII: Nursing Management of Dysrhythmias

Nursing management of dysrhythmias involves the following:AssessmentSubjective Assessment:The initial step involves gathering patient-reported symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and chest discomfort. It is crucial to collect a detailed history, including previous heart conditions, current medication use, and lifestyle factors like caffeine and alcohol consumption.Objective Assessment:This involves observing clinical signs such as jugular venous distention, cool and pale skin, and...
270
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
329
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
172