Drug-Induced QTc-Interval Prolongation in the Intensive Care Unit: Incidence and Predictors

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tien M. H. Ng ◽  
Keith M. Olsen ◽  
Megan A. McCartan ◽  
Susan E. Puumala ◽  
Katie M. Speidel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
End Point ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Qtc Interval Prolongation

There is a paucity of information regarding QTc prolongation in critically ill patients. A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the incidence and predictors of QTc prolongation associated with medications in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Consecutive adult patients prescribed prespecified QTc-prolonging medications were assessed for development of the combined incidence of QTc >500 ms at anytime and QTc increase >60 ms above baseline. Over 3 months, 200 consecutive patients (63 ± 18 years; 52% female; 73% Caucasian; baseline QTc 447.3 ± 51.5 ms) were evaluated. The primary end point occurred in 48% of the patients (QTc >500 ms 40%, QTc increase >60 ms 29%). The majority of patients experienced a QTc >470 or 450 ms (60.5%). Mean increase in QTc at 48 hours was 20 ± 35 ms. Upon multivariate analysis, length of stay [odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval (1.15, 1.47)] and baseline QTc [1.01 (1.01, 1.02)] were associated with an increased risk for the primary end point, while beta-blockers [0.41 (0.20, 0.81)] were associated with a risk reduction. In conclusion, increased risk of proarrhythmia, as assessed by QTc prolongation, occurs in the majority of ICU patients when prescribed medications with electrophysiologic properties. Increased vigilance is warranted. The possible protective effect of beta-blockers requires confirmation.

scholarly journals Beta-Lactams Toxicity in the Intensive Care Unit: An Underestimated Collateral Damage?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1505
Author(s):  
Claire Roger ◽  
Benjamin Louart
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Acute Interstitial Nephritis ◽  
Convulsive Status Epilepticus ◽  
Beta Lactam ◽  
Beta Lactams ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Icu Patients

Beta-lactams are the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials in intensive care unit (ICU) settings and remain one of the safest antimicrobials prescribed. However, the misdiagnosis of beta-lactam-related adverse events may alter ICU patient management and impact clinical outcomes. To describe the clinical manifestations, risk factors and beta-lactam-induced neurological and renal adverse effects in the ICU setting, we performed a comprehensive literature review via an electronic search on PubMed up to April 2021 to provide updated clinical data. Beta-lactam neurotoxicity occurs in 10–15% of ICU patients and may be responsible for a large panel of clinical manifestations, ranging from confusion, encephalopathy and hallucinations to myoclonus, convulsions and non-convulsive status epilepticus. Renal impairment, underlying brain abnormalities and advanced age have been recognized as the main risk factors for neurotoxicity. In ICU patients, trough concentrations above 22 mg/L for cefepime, 64 mg/L for meropenem, 125 mg/L for flucloxacillin and 360 mg/L for piperacillin (used without tazobactam) are associated with neurotoxicity in 50% of patients. Even though renal complications (especially severe complications, such as acute interstitial nephritis, renal damage associated with drug induced hemolytic anemia and renal obstruction by crystallization) remain rare, there is compelling evidence of increased nephrotoxicity using well-known nephrotoxic drugs such as vancomycin combined with beta-lactams. Treatment mainly relies on the discontinuation of the offending drug but in the near future, antimicrobial optimal dosing regimens should be defined, not only based on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets associated with clinical and microbiological efficacy, but also on PK/toxicodynamic targets. The use of dosing software may help to achieve these goals.

Severe quetiapine voluntary overdose successfully treated with a new hemoperfusion sorbent

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 516-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Giuntoli ◽  
Vittorio Dalmastri ◽  
Nicola Cilloni ◽  
Claudio Orsi ◽  
Lucia Stalteri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Potential Application ◽  
Healthy Woman ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Interval Prolongation ◽  
Qtc Interval Prolongation

Quetiapine overdose, although rare, is mainly linked with tachycardia, QTc-interval prolongation, somnolence, coma, hyperglycemia, and eventually hepatotoxicity and myocarditis. Extracorporeal techniques for quetiapine removal might be helpful, but only a few cases are reported in the literature. We here describe the case of a 27-year-old healthy woman, admitted to our Intensive Care Unit after voluntary quetiapine intake and successfully treated with CytoSorb hemoperfusion in combination with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), in order to accelerate quetiapine elimination. This is the first published experience about the potential application of hemoadsorption therapies, as CytoSorb sorbent, in large overdoses of quetiapine and this approach might be feasible to rapidly remove the substance from blood, stabilizing the patient condition.

Abstract 15875: Prediction of Intensive Care Unit Admission Among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: The Intermountain Coronavirus ICU Risk Model (CORONA-ICU)

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi T May ◽  
Joseph B Muhlestein ◽  
Benjamin D Horne ◽  
Kirk U Knowlton ◽  
Tami L Bair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Risk Prediction ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Icu Patients

Background: Treatment for COVID-19 has created surges in hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and the need for advanced medical therapy and equipment, including ventilators. Identifying patients early on who are at risk for more intensive hospital resource use and poor outcomes could result in shorter hospital stays, lower costs, and improved outcomes. Therefore, we created clinical risk scores (CORONA-ICU and -ICU+) to predict ICU admission among patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods: Intermountain Healthcare patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were hospitalized between March 4, 2020 and June 8, 2020 were studied. Derivation of CORONA-ICU risk score models used weightings of commonly collected risk factors and medicines. The primary outcome was admission to the ICU during hospitalization, and secondary outcomes included death and ventilator use. Results: A total of 451 patients were hospitalized for a SARS-CoV-2 positive infection, and 191 (42.4%) required admission to the ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU were older (58.2 vs. 53.6 years), more often male (61.3% vs. 48.5%), and had higher rates of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease. ICU patients more often took ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and statins. Table 1 shows variables that were evaluated and included in the CORONA-ICU risk prediction models. Models adding medications (CORONA-ICU+) improved risk-prediction. Though not created to predict death and ventilator use, these models did so with high accuracy (Table 2). Conclusion: The CORONA-ICU and -ICU+ models, composed of commonly collected risk factors without or with medications, were shown to be highly predictive of ICU admissions, death, and ventilator use. These models can be efficiently derived and effectively identify high-risk patients who require more careful observation and increased use of advanced medical therapies.

scholarly journals Arrhythmic safety of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients from different clinical settings

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 1855-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Gasperetti ◽  
Mauro Biffi ◽  
Firat Duru ◽  
Marco Schiavone ◽  
Matteo Ziacchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Hospital Treatment ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Therapy Regimen ◽  
Qtc Interval Prolongation ◽  
Overall Mortality

Abstract Aims The aim of the study was to describe ECG modifications and arrhythmic events in COVID-19 patients undergoing hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy in different clinical settings. Methods and results COVID-19 patients at seven institutions receiving HCQ therapy from whom a baseline and at least one ECG at 48+ h were available were enrolled in the study. QT/QTc prolongation, QT-associated and QT-independent arrhythmic events, arrhythmic mortality, and overall mortality during HCQ therapy were assessed. A total of 649 COVID-19 patients (61.9 ± 18.7 years, 46.1% males) were enrolled. HCQ therapy was administrated as a home therapy regimen in 126 (19.4%) patients, and as an in-hospital-treatment to 495 (76.3%) hospitalized and 28 (4.3%) intensive care unit (ICU) patients. At 36–72 and at 96+ h after the first HCQ dose, 358 and 404 ECGs were obtained, respectively. A significant QT/QTc interval prolongation was observed (P < 0.001), but the magnitude of the increase was modest [+13 (9–16) ms]. Baseline QT/QTc length and presence of fever (P = 0.001) at admission represented the most important determinants of QT/QTc prolongation. No arrhythmic-related deaths were reported. The overall major ventricular arrhythmia rate was low (1.1%), with all events found not to be related to QT or HCQ therapy at a centralized event evaluation. No differences in QT/QTc prolongation and QT-related arrhythmias were observed across different clinical settings, with non-QT-related arrhythmias being more common in the intensive care setting. Conclusion HCQ administration is safe for a short-term treatment for patients with COVID-19 infection regardless of the clinical setting of delivery, causing only modest QTc prolongation and no directly attributable arrhythmic deaths.

scholarly journals Evaluation of QTc Interval Effects of Antipsychotic Medications for Intensive Care Unit Delirium in Pediatric Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-91
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Hutchins ◽  
Andrakeia Shipman ◽  
Kanecia O. Zimmerman ◽  
Travis S. Heath
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Interval Prolongation ◽  
Antipsychotic Medications ◽  
Qtc Interval Prolongation ◽  
Intensive Care Unit Delirium ◽  
Icu Delirium

OBJECTIVE Intensive care unit delirium is an increasingly recognized problem in pediatric patients. Controversy exists regarding the safety and efficacy of antipsychotic medications for this indication. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for QTc interval prolongation in pediatric patients treated with antipsychotics for ICU delirium. METHODS Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients admitted to the pediatric ICU or pediatric cardiac ICU and diagnosed with ICU delirium between October 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015. Patients were included if they received at least 1 dose of an antipsychotic for the treatment of delirium after a positive screen using the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium scoring tool. RESULTS For the 26 patients included, the median change in QTc interval on treatment was −4 msecs. Two patients (8%) had QTc interval prolongation while on antipsychotic therapy. No risk factors were identified in these 2 patients that put them at increased risk for QTc interval prolongation. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of QTc interval prolongation in pediatric patients who were treated with antipsychotics for ICU delirium was low. There is need for future research to determine which pediatric patients are at risk for QTc interval prolongation when antipsychotic medications are used for the treatment of ICU delirium.

Evaluation of the Effects of Quetiapine on QTc Prolongation in Critically Ill Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M. Dube ◽  
Jeremy DeGrado ◽  
Benjamin Hohlfelder ◽  
Paul M. Szumita
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Interval Prolongation ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Qtc Interval Prolongation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Median Change

Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic used in the intensive care unit (ICU) to manage delirium, has a possible adverse effect of corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation. The objective of this analysis was to describe the impact of quetiapine on QTc interval prolongation in critically ill patients. This was a single-center, prospective cohort analysis of ICU patients who received quetiapine between October 2015 and February 2016. The major end point was the incidence of QTc prolongation greater than 60 milliseconds above baseline during therapy. Minor end points included median change in QTc interval and incidence of Torsades de Pointes (TdP). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine variables associated with higher risk of QTc prolongation. During the study period, 103 patients were enrolled in the analysis. QTc interval prolongation greater than 60 milliseconds occurred in 14 (13.6%) patients. The median change in QTc interval was 20 milliseconds. There were no cases of TdP. On multivariable analysis, the only variable associated with higher incidence of QTc prolongation was administration of a concomitant medication known to prolong the QTc interval ( P = .046). QTc prolongation was relatively uncommon among critically ill patients utilizing quetiapine. Patients receiving concomitant medications known to prolong the QTc interval may be at an increased risk.

scholarly journals Thromboembolic Rates Are Similar Between Intensive Care Unit and Nonintensive Care Unit Hospitalized Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Retrospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962110533
Author(s):  
Heidi Worth ◽  
Kasey Helmlinger ◽  
Renju Raj ◽  
Eric Heidel ◽  
Ronald Lands
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Thromboembolic Event ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Increased Risk

High rates of thromboembolic events have been described in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Data regarding thromboembolic events in all hospitalized patients has been less frequently reported, raising concerns that thromboembolic events in non-ICU may be underrecognized. In addition, optimal anticoagulation type and dose is still unsettled at this time. This is a retrospective cohort study of 159 hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia during a 9-month period to determine an association between the frequency of thromboembolic rates and hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Secondary outcomes sought to investigate association of thromboembolic events with relation to place of admission, risk factors, anticoagulation, mortality, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. Among the cohort of 159 hospitalized patients who met criteria, 16 (10%) were diagnosed with a thromboembolic event. There were a total of 18 thromboembolic events with 12 venous and 6 arterial. Admission to the ICU was not associated with a higher frequency of thromboembolic events compared with non-ICU patients (37.5% vs 62.5%), p = .71. Patients with a thromboembolic event had a significantly higher mortality compared with those with no thromboembolic event (37.5% vs 13.3%), p = .012. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have increased rates of thromboembolic events, both venous and arterial, which contribute to a significant increase in mortality. However, the frequency of thromboembolism in patients admitted to the ICU was similar to events in non-ICU patients. We hope to increase awareness of the increased risk of hypercoagulability in all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 including non-ICU patients.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal Microbiota Disruption and Risk of Colonization With Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Intensive Care Unit Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 604-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda M Pettigrew ◽  
Janneane F Gent ◽  
Yong Kong ◽  
Alison Laufer Halpin ◽  
Lisa Pineles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Gastrointestinal Microbiota ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Icu Admission ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and CRPA colonization puts patients at increased risk of CRPA infection. Prior studies have not examined relationships between the microbiota, medications, and CRPA colonization acquisition. Methods Data and perirectal swabs were obtained from a cohort of ICU patients at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients (N = 109) were classified into 3 groups by CRPA colonization-acquisition status and antimicrobial exposure. We conducted 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of an ICU admission swab and ≥1 additional swab and evaluated associations between patient characteristics, medications, the gastrointestinal microbiota, and CRPA colonization acquisition. Results ICU patients had low levels of diversity and high relative abundances of pathobionts. Piperacillin-tazobactam was prescribed more frequently to patients with CRPA colonization acquisition than those without. Piperacillin-tazobactam was associated with low abundance of potentially protective taxa (eg, Lactobacillus and Clostridiales) and increased risk of Enterococcus domination (odds ratio [OR], 5.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.03–14.92). Opioids were associated with dysbiosis in patients who did not receive antibiotics; potentially protective Blautia and Lactobacillus were higher in patients who did not receive opioids. Several correlated taxa, identified at ICU admission, were associated with lower risk of CRPA colonization acquisition (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, .38–.87). Conclusions Antibiotics differed in their impact on the microbiota, with piperacillin-tazobactam being particularly damaging. Certain bacterial taxa (eg, Clostridiales) were negatively associated with CRPA colonization acquisition. These taxa may be markers of risk for CRPA colonization acquisition and/or serve a protective role.

scholarly journals Why Not Life and Limb? Vasopressor Use in Intensive Care Unit Patients the Cause of Acute Limb Ischemia

Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastassia Newbury ◽  
Katharine D. Harper ◽  
Arianna Trionfo ◽  
Frederick V. Ramsey ◽  
Joseph J. Thoder
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Limb Ischemia ◽  
Acute Limb Ischemia ◽  
Severe Condition ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
End Point ◽  
Function Loss ◽  
Vasopressor Use

Background: Acute limb ischemia (ALI) of the upper extremity is a rare yet severe condition in intensive care unit (ICU) patients that generally leads to amputation. The aim of this study is to determine risk factors for development of upper extremity limb ischemia in ICU patients requiring vasopressor support. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted from 2010 to 2015. Patients who received vasopressors during ICU admission were considered for the study. Patients were identified via Current Procedural Terminology ( CPT) billing codes. ALI patients were matched to control patients based on diagnosis and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. Days on pressors, number of pressors, total doses, and level of ischemia were recorded. Primary end point was doses, types, and days on vasopressors. Secondary end point was level of ALI. Results: Patients in the ALI group were more likely to be started on a higher number of different types of pressors (2.6 vs 1.3 pressors). ALI patients received pressors for 8.5 days compared with 1.6 days in control patients, and received 12.8 doses compared with 3.0 doses in control patients. In addition, vasopressors with alpha-adrenergic activity were more likely to be used in the ALI group. Level of ischemia was not linked to any of the tested variables. Conclusion: Patients admitted to the ICU are more likely to sustain an acute ischemic event of an upper extremity with more vasopressor usage. Patients who received alpha-adrenergic activating vasopressors were more likely to sustain limb ischemia. When discoloration of an extremity is detected, patients should receive counteractive treatments in an effort to salvage the extremity and prevent function loss.

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