[Carbamazepine cardiotoxicity in acute poisoning]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Context:

• Acute carbamazepine poisoning presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Cardiovascular complications are a known risk in drug toxicity.
• Understanding drug-induced cardiotoxicity is crucial for patient management.

Purpose:

• To report the cardiotoxic manifestations in patients with acute carbamazepine poisoning.
• To describe the clinical and electrocardiographic findings associated with carbamazepine cardiotoxicity.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of supportive therapy in managing these cardiac complications.

Summary:

• Nine patients with acute carbamazepine poisoning exhibited cardiovascular system disorders.
• Common cardiotoxic signs included tachycardia, hypotension, ventricular extrasystoles, and repolarization abnormalities.
• Two cases presented with life-threatening cardiotoxicity, which resolved with nonspecific and symptomatic treatment, leaving no cardiac sequelae.

Impact:

• Highlights the potential for severe cardiotoxicity from carbamazepine overdose.
• Demonstrates the efficacy of symptomatic and supportive care in managing carbamazepine-induced cardiotoxicity.
• Informs clinical practice regarding the cardiac monitoring and management of carbamazepine poisoning.