Singap Med J
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Torsade de Pointes (Tdp) is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in the setting of prolonged QT interval. Any drug that prolongs repolarisation, and hence QT interval, may cause Tdp. Predisposing factors of drug-induced Tdp include female sex, bradyarrhythmia and hypokalaemia. ⋯ Tdp is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia. The list of torsadogenic drugs is ever expanding. Physicians need to know the drugs which can lead to Tdp. Careful assessment of risk-benefit ratio is important before prescribing such drugs. Amiodarone-induced Tdp is not uncommon in our local population. Initiation of a class III agent, especially amiodarone, should be done judiciously, with monitoring of the QT interval and avoidance of hypokalaemia.