American journal of therapeutics
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Torsade de pointes is a malignant dysrhythmia that has been reported in a variety of clinical settings and associated with several pharmacologic agents. Patients with a prolonged QTc for heart rate are at higher risk for the development of this arrhythmia. We review the literature supporting the relationship of haloperidol to the development of this malignant dysrhythmia. Clinicians in the critical care setting should be aware of potentially lethal drug-induced ventricular tachydysrhythmias such as torsade de pointes.
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Fomepizole (Antizol) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of methanol poisoning. By inhibiting the hepatic enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, it presents formation of toxic metabolites with far fewer consequences than traditional ethanol therapy. It appears that fomepizole will become standard therapy for methanol intoxication as it is for ethylene glycol poisoning.
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Occlusion of lower extremity vascular bypass grafts results in acute limb-threatening ischemia. The underlying cause of graft failure generally is distal anastomosis stenosis, and relief of culprit stenosis is a required to maintain long-term patency. Of the three thrombolytic agents used for prolonged infusion to accomplish fibrinolysis, streptokinase was the first to be used and is limited owing to the antigenicity that precludes repeated use. ⋯ One patient underwent amputation owing to unsuccessful thrombolysis. No major bleeding or vascular complications occurred. We conclude that intra-arterial thrombolysis using rt-PA is a safe and effective therapy for patients with thrombotic occlusion of synthetic lower extremity bypass grafts presenting with acute limb-threatening ischemia and allows a high rate of secondary patency, avoiding amputation.