Genetic basis of drug-induced arrhythmias

M.A. Vos*, A.D. Paulussen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Genetic basis of drug-induced arrhythmias.

Vos MA, Paulussen AD.

Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.a.vos@med.uu.nl

Drug-induced torsade de pointes arrhythmia (TdP) is frequently seen in patients. This proarrhythmia is not restricted to anti-arrhythmics but includes a variety of drugs. A genetic predisposition is an attractive explanation for this clinical problem. In this review, we: 1) explain the arrhythmogenic mechanisms of TdP, 2) provide data for a genetic cause based upon mutations in the long QT or in cytochrome genes responsible for drug metabolism, and 3) present pathology-based electrical remodeling as an alternative explanation. It can be concluded that the current evidence for a genetic basis for drug-induced TdP is weak
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-40
JournalAnnals of Medicine
Volume36
Issue numberSuppl 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2004

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