Torsades de Pointes.
Torsades de Pointes (T.D.P.) is a ventricular dysrhythmia that is a commonly undiagnosed condition seen within Critical Care areas of most Major Metropolitan Hospitals. It is a condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Experience has shown a lack of understanding of the clinical features and the treatment of this particular life threatening dysrhythmia. This paper was compiled to increase the awareness of the health professional of Torsades de Pointes, covering areas of physiologic mechanisms, clinical features, causes of the dysrhythmia and most importantly treatment, whether it be mechanical, drug therapy or a combination of both. Controversial issues have been raised and are discussed in this paper including the use of Magnesium Sulphate as first line treatment.
Bishop
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D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D016171:Torsades de Pointes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy