INTRODUCTION Detection of drug-induced pro-arrhythmic risk is a primary concern for pharmaceutical companies and regulators. Increased risk is linked to prolongation of the QT interval on the body surface ECG. Recent studies have shown that multiple ion channel interactions can be required to predict changes in ventricular repolarisation and therefore QT intervals. In this study we attempt to p...

OBJECTIVE Cinacalcet is a calcimimetic drug that acts via calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs) and increases the sensitivity of CaSRs on the parathyroid gland; thus, it lowers calcium and phosphorus levels as well as parathormone levels. Prolongation of the QT interval is recognized as a risk factor for the development of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Patients with end-stage renal dise...

BACKGROUND This study examined the role of phase 2 early afterdepolarization (EAD) in producing a trigger to initiate torsade de pointes (TdP) with QT prolongation induced by dl-sotalol and azimilide. The contribution of transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) to transmural propagation of EAD and the maintenance of TdP was also evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS Transmembrane action potenti...

STUDY OBJECTIVE We investigate the clinical effects of escitalopram overdose and determine the risk of QT prolongation and serotonin toxicity. METHODS A review of escitalopram overdoses to a clinical toxicology unit was undertaken. Patient demographics, details of the ingestion, clinical effects, including evidence of serotonin toxicity, complications (arrhythmias and seizures), ICU admission...