Treatment of encainide proarrhythmia with hypertonic saline.
We report a case of successful treatment of encainide-induced ventricular tachycardia with 3% hypertonic saline. To our knowledge, no other report exists in the literature of this treatment for proarrhythmic ventricular tachycardia from a type 1C agent. Metabolic consequences of the treatment included severe hypernatremia, hyperosmolarity, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia, which were reversible over 24 hours. In spite of the risks, treatment of incessant ventricular tachycardia induced by type 1C agents with hypertonic saline may be life saving.
Section of Cardiology, Yale New Haven Hospital, Connecticut.
M L
ML
Gardner
H
H
Brett-Smith
W P
WP
Batsford
D000813:Anilides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D004554:Electric Countershock; D004630:Emergencies; D016700:Encainide; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000209:etiology
D000813:Anilides; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D012462:Saline Solution, Hypertonic; D016700:Encainide