Predictors of dysrhythmias with norepinephrine use in septic shock.

PURPOSE: Norepinephrine (NE) is recommended first-line for treatment of septic shock, partly due to its intrinsically low effect on heart rate. While dysrhythmias secondary to NE are still reported, factors associated with development of this adverse effect have not been described. Our study sought to investigate factors associated with dysrhythmias in patients receiving NE for septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults receiving NE for septic shock if NE was initiated as the first vasopressor and continued for at least 6 h. The primary objective was to determine the rate of dysrhythmias among this patient population. Secondary objectives included determining the effect of dysrhythmia development on patient outcomes and elucidating predictors for dysrhythmia development. RESULTS: Of the 250 patients included, 34.4% (n = 86) developed a dysrhythmia. These patients had higher mortality (30.5% vs. 63.9%; p < 0.001) with decreased ICU-free days (2 vs. 4; p = 0.04) and ventilator-free days (7 vs. 4; p = 0.048). Duration of NE infusion and maximum NE dose were found to be independently associated with increased rates of dysrhythmia (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Development of dysrhythmia is associated with increased mortality and is independently associated with longer duration of NE infusion and higher NE doses.

Pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis: A fatal case report.

Purpose Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody which inhibits the programmed cell death 1 receptor, has been shown to efficaciously enhance pre-existing immune responses to malignancies. However, safety concerns must also be considered as pembrolizumab use has been associated with several life-threatening immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We report a fatal case of pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis in a patient with no prior myasthenia gravis history. Case report A 63-year-old male presented with right eyelid drooping, puffiness, blurred vision, and shortness of breath two weeks after an initial infusion of pembrolizumab. He was subsequently diagnosed with new onset acetylcholine-receptor positive myasthenia gravis. Despite aggressive treatment with corticosteroids, pyridostigmine, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis, the patient clinically deteriorated and ultimately expired from acute respiratory failure after a 12-day hospitalization. Discussion Current package labeling for pembrolizumab warns against various irAEs associated with its use including pneumonitis, colitis, and endocrinopathies. To date, only one case of new onset myasthenia gravis and two case reports of myasthenia gravis exacerbation have been identified. This case further highlights the mortality risk associated with development of irAEs. Conclusion While rare, evidence for the development of MG associated with pembrolizumab is growing. Prompt recognition of symptoms and discontinuation of pembrolizumab is necessary to help improve prognosis.

Continuous intravenous antiarrhythmic agents in the intensive care unit: strategies for safe and effective use of amiodarone, lidocaine, and procainamide.

The development of cardiac arrhythmias in the intensive care unit is common and associated with poor prognoses and outcomes. Because of the complexity of patients admitted to the intensive care unit, the management of arrhythmias is often difficult and may require multiple therapeutic interventions. In order for clinicians to appropriately manage arrhythmias, a thorough understanding of all available therapies, including intravenous antiarrhythmic agents, is essential. Suitable antiarrhythmic agents for use in the critical care setting include amiodarone, lidocaine, and procainamide. While these agents can be effective in managing cardiac arrhythmias, they also possess significant disadvantages and require additional monitoring during use. Therapy with these agents is often complicated because of the presence of significant associated adverse effects, clinician unfamiliarity, variable dosing strategies, and the potential for drug-drug interactions. The purpose of this review is to discuss indications and strategies for safe and effective use of amiodarone, lidocaine, and procainamide.