Ventricular arrhythmias complicating weight reduction therapy in a patient with a prolonged QT interval.
Serious ventricular arrhythmias are known to occur in patients with long QT intervals. We describe a case of torsade de pointes occurring in a patient with a prolonged QT interval while taking a 1000 calorie diet, diethylpropion hydrochloride (Tenuate Dospan) and bendrofluazide. In patients with long QT intervals, hypokalaemia and drugs which further delay repolarization may facilitate the development of life threatening arrhythmias.
D000328:Adult; D001539:Bendroflumethiazide / Q000009:adverse effects; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004053:Diethylpropion / Q000009:adverse effects; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000209:etiology*
D001539:Bendroflumethiazide; D004053:Diethylpropion; D011188:Potassium