Over
the past 25-30 years, deaths due to Torsades de Pointes (TdP) have
resulted in numerous drugs being withdrawn from the market. However,
nearly 200 drugs that may prolong the QT interval and cause TdP remain
available. A number of drugs with the potential to cause TdP are among
the top 200 most prescribed drugs in the US, whilst new information
regarding TdP is emerging rapidly. The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive he source of information on the topic of torsades
de pointes (TdP), which is a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular
tachyarrhythmia associated with QT interval prolongation on the
electrocardiogram (ECG).

Torsades de Pointes
provides a detailed, up-to-date and emerging information related to the
epidemiology, drug culprits, mechanisms, risk factors, and methods of
prevention and management of the life-threatening polymorphic
ventricular tachycardia, also known as torsades de pointes. The book
contains current knowledge, incorporating recent and cutting-edge
advances in understanding of topics including inherited channelopathies
and congenital LQTS; drugs that cause QT interval prolongation and TdP;
non-drug causes of acquired QT interval prolongation and TdP;
epidemiology of inherited and acquired TdP; morbidity and mortality
associated with TdP, particularly in association with specific
antimicrobials, antidepressants and antipsychotics, and methadone;
cellular and molecular mechanisms of TdP, traditional and emerging risk
factors for TdP; methods of prevention and risk reduction for TdP; and
clinical management of patients with TdP.

This book
is an essential reference for both clinicians and researchers –
providing guidance for clinicians who care for patients receiving QT
interval-prolonging drugs, as well as cutting edge information for
scientists and investigators conducting research in the area.

• Up-to-date information on TdP associated with inherited channelopathies and the multiple forms of congenital LQTS
• Includes
  a wealth of new information emerging regarding TdP, including
  newly-described risk factors and cellular and molecular mechanisms,
  contributions of genetic polymorphisms to drug-induced TdP, methods of
  quantification of risk, and methods of risk reduction, including
  clinical decision support
• Contains
  information on nearly 200 commonly used drugs that have the potential
  to cause torsades de pointes, including antimicrobials, antipsychotics,
  antidepressants, antiarrhythmic agents, methadone, and many others
• An
  essential reference for clinicians and researchers – provides guidance
  for clinicians who care for patients receiving QT interval-prolonging
  drugs, as well as cutting edge information for scientists and
  investigators conducting research in the area