Sinus node dysfunction and sudden cardiac death following treatment with encainide.

Abstract

Encainide, a class Ic drug, is generally thought of as having little effect on sinus node function. In this article, we present the clinical course and electrophysiological findings of a patient who had cardiac arrest after 1 week of encainide therapy for ventricular extrasystoles. No ventricular tachyarrhythmias were induced during programmed ventricular stimulation (baseline study and while receiving encainide therapy). Prior to encainide therapy, sinus node function was normal, but clinical observations after admission for cardiac arrest and subsequent electrophysiological study revealed that encainide had caused striking impairments in sinus node function. During a 6-month follow-up without antiarrhythmic drug treatment, this patient has had an uneventful course. We concluded that encainide can cause severe and life-threatening sinus node dysfunction.

• Authors: R Lemery, M Talajic, S Nattel, P Theroux, D Roy
• Journal: Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE (Pacing Clin Electrophysiol) Vol. 12 Issue 10 Pg. 1607-12 (Oct 1989) ISSN: 0147-8389 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2477816 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anilides
• Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
• Encainide

Topics

• Anilides (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Anti-Arrhythmia Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Arrhythmia, Sinus (chemically induced)
• Cardiac Complexes, Premature (drug therapy)
• Cardiac Pacing, Artificial
• Death, Sudden (etiology)
• Electrocardiography
• Electrophysiology
• Encainide
• Female
• Heart Arrest (chemically induced)
• Humans
• Middle Aged