Open AccessElectrical storm in hemodialysis: A story of death reversed 65 times
Author(s) -
Guglin Maya,
Kumaravelu Priya
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
dialysis & transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1932-6920
pISSN - 0090-2934
DOI - 10.1002/dat.20100
Subject(s) - medicine , amiodarone , lidocaine , dialysis , hemodialysis , cardiology , sinus rhythm , ventricular tachycardia , peritoneal dialysis , electrical cardioversion , ventricular fibrillation , normal sinus rhythm , anesthesia , intensive care medicine , atrial fibrillation
Background Ventricular arrhythmias, common in dialysis patients, are potentially lethal; when 2 episodes of ventricular arrhythmia occur within 24 hours—with a normal sinus rhythm in between—it is called an electrical storm. Methods This article reports on the case of a 70‐year‐old male patient who experienced 65 episodes of ventricular arrhythmia during dialysis over a 2‐year period. Results Because of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator and immediate access to antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone and lidocaine, the patient survived the ventricular arrhythmias—and death itself—65 times. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of the availability of antiarrhythmic medications and automated external defibrillators in dialysis units and stresses the need to train personnel in the dialysis unit in the use of external defibrillators. Peritoneal dialysis is a possible alternative in patients prone to electrical storm.