Utility of the electrocardiogram in drug overdose and poisoning: theoretical considerations and clinical implications.
The ECG is a rapidly available clinical tool that can help clinicians manage poisoned patients. Specific myocardial effects of cardiotoxic drugs have well-described electrocardiographic manifestations. In the practice of clinical toxicology, classic ECG changes may hint at blockade of ion channels, alterations of adrenergic tone, or dysfunctional metabolic activity of the myocardium. This review will offer a structured approach to ECG interpretation in poisoned patients with a focus on clinical implications and ECG-based management recommendations in the initial evaluation of patients with acute cardiotoxicity.
Emergency Medicine Department / Clinical Toxicology Unit, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. christopher.yates@ssib.es
Christopher
C
Yates
Alex F
AF
Manini
D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy