Therapeutic hypothermia and temperature management
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Ther Hypothermia Temp Manag · Jun 2015
Case ReportsSuccessful use of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest due to amitriptyline and venlafaxine intoxication.
The prognosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to intoxication is dismal. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are widely used in the treatment of depression, but possess significant cardiotoxicity, and are one of the most common medications used in suicide attempts worldwide. TCA poisoning can cause hypotension, seizures, and cardiac conduction disturbances, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmia. ⋯ Ambulatory psychiatric follow-up was organized. Neuropsychological examinations were later performed and she was estimated to be able to work at her previous job. This case report suggests that mild TH is safe even in case of intoxication with a drug known to cause serious cardiac conduction disturbances and arrhythmia.