• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.97-101
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• 2014

Aconitine, found in the Aconitum species, is highly extremely toxic, and has been known to cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias and cardiovascular collapse. Although several reports have described treatment of aconitine intoxication, management strategy for the patient in a hemodynamically compromised state who experienced cardiopulmonary collapse is unknown. We report here on a case of a successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapeutic hypothermia in an aconitine-induced cardiovascular collapsed patient. A 73-year-old male who presented with nausea, vomiting, chest discomfort, and drowsy mental state after eating an herbal decoction made from aconite roots was admitted to the emergency department. He showed hemodynamic compromise with monomorphic ventricular tachycardia resistant to amiodarone and lidocaine. After 3 minutes on admission, he collapsed, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. We treated him with repeated cardioversion/defibrillation of 51 times, 10,150 joules and cardiopulmonary resuscitation of 12 times, 69 minutes for 14 hours and therapeutic hypothermia for 36 hours. He recovered fully in 7 days.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.129-139
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• 1997

The data collected to date indicate that sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep-disordered breathing(sleep apnea) and underlying respiratory system diseases, are one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular dysfunction. Sleep-disordered breathing(sleep apnea) is now recognized as one of the leading causes of systemic hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, and stroke. Sleep may exert a profound effect on breathing in patients with underlying respiratory system disease including bronchopumonary diseases, chest wall abnormalities, central alveolar hypoventilation syndromes or respiratory neuromuscular disorders. Chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia in these patients may accelerate the development of long term cardiovascular complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, and right heart failure(cor pulmonale). Several recent studies reported that sleep-related breathing disorders are associated with long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Careful assessment of respiratory and cardiovascular function in these patients is critical. Aggressive and highly effective treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders using tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy(nCPAP), intercurrent oxygen therapy or other interventions can reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular dysfunction and the long-term mortality.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.448-453
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• 2010

Drug-induced long QT syndrome is known to be associated with the onset of torsades de pointes (TdP), resulting in a fatal ventricular arrhythmia. QT interval prolongation can result from blocking the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel, which is important for the repolarization of cardiac action potential. Nicardipine, a Ca-channel blocker and antihypertensive agent, has been reported to increase the risk of occasional serious ventricular arrhythmias. We studied the effects of nicardipine on hERG $K^+$ channels expressed in HEK293 cells and Xenopus oocytes. The cardiac electrophysiological effect of nicardipine was also investigated in this study. Our results revealed that nicardipine dose-dependently decreased the tail current of the hERG channel expressed in HEK293 cells with an $IC_{50}$ of 0.43 ${\mu}M$. On the other hand, nicardipine did not affect hERG channel trafficking. Taken together, nicardipine inhibits the hERG channel by the mechanism of short-term channel blocking. Two S6 domain mutations, Y652A and F656A, partially attenuated (Y652A) or abolished (F656A) the hERG current blockade, suggesting that nicardipine blocks the hERG channel at the pore of the channel.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.847-853
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• 1997

Although the effects of adenosine on the heart, including the clinical suppression of cardiac arrhythmias, have been recognized for more than half a century, it is only in the last decade that the therapeutic potential of adenosine has been recognized. The objective of this study was to determine if augmentation of myocardial adenosine levels during global ischemia improves functional recovery after reperfusion. We used to modified Langendonf system to evaluate myocardial protective effect. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 90 minutes of deep hypothermic arrest(15$^{\circ}C$) with modified St. Thomas'Hospital cardioplegic solution used to provide myocardial protection. Myocardial adenosine levels were augmented during ischemia by providing exogenous adenosine in the cardioplegic solution. Two groups of hearts w re studied: (1) control group(n=10) cardioplegia alone; (2) adenosine group(n=10) adenosine(0.75mg/kg/min) added to the cardioplegic solution. Significantly better percent recovery(p<0.01) in hemodynamics(except heart rate) at 60 minutes after reperfusion was evident compared to baseline values in the adenosine group. (systolic no란ic pressure : 78.5$\pm$3.6% vs 66.6$\pm$5.9%, airtic overflow volume : 61.7$\pm$ 11.6% vs 37.2$\pm$ 15.4%, coronary flow volume 77.1$\pm$7.5% vs 57.2$\pm$ 11.1%, and cardiac output : 65.6$\pm$ 11.5% vs 44.2$\pm$ 12.4%). Heart rate was similar in two groups(94.4$\pm$4.8% vs 95.3 $\pm$ 6.8%). Adenosine groups resulted in significantly rapid recovery time of heart beat after reperEusion(p<0.01) (24.5$\pm$7.6 sec. vs 179.0$\pm$ 131.1sec.). In biochemical study, CPK levels(0.1 $\pm$0.3U/L vs 1.4$\pm$0.8U/L) and lactic acid levels(0.08$\pm$0.Immol/L vs 0.34$\pm$0.2 mmol/L) were significantly low in adenosine groups(p<0.01). We concluded that adenosine included cardioplegia have better recovery effects after r perfusion in myocardial ischemia compared to adenosine free cardioplegia.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.409-417
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• 1984

In the early days of open heart surgery, acute respiratory failure following extracorporeal circulation was a significant deterrent to an uncomplicated recovery. Although a marked improvement in prevention and treatment of postoperative respiratory failure has been achieved, the problem has not been completely eliminated and continues to be a causative factor in morbidity and mortality Fates following open heart surgery. We have attempted to evaluate postoperative respiratory failure in patients undergoing cardiac operation with the aid of extracorporeal circulation. Our series comprised 92 patients who underwent elective open heart surgery at the Department of Thoracic and Cariodvascular Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, from January, 1980 to December, 1982. In our study, the overall incidence of acute respiratory failure following open heart surgery was 18.8 percent. The duration of extracorporeal circulation in a series of 18 patients who developed postoperative respiratory failure [Group B] was longer in the mean value [120.3 minutes] than the uncomplicated 74 patients [Group A] [85.8 minutes]. The duration of artificial ventilation after open heart surgery in Group A averaged 13.4 hours as contrasted with 76.5 hours in Group B. In Group B, the inspired oxygen concentration [FiO2] in artificial ventilation was continued in the higher level than Group A until 18 hours after operation. Upon pulmonary function test performed pre-and postoperatively, residual volume[RV], RV/TLC and FEV 1.0/FVC were remained essentially unchanged following extracorporeal circulation, whereas forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV 1.0 and FEF 25-75% were significantly decreased in the early postoperative days. The incidence of acute respiratory failure was significantly higher in a series of patients who developed postoperative complications, such as re- exploration due to massive bleeding, low cardiac output, acute renal failure and arrhythmias. A total of 9 patients died, giving an overall mortality was 33.3 percent whereas the mortality was only 1.1 percent for patients without respiratory failure.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.123-128
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• 2017

Background and aims: The KCNQ1 S140G mutation involved in $I_{ks}$ channel is a typical gene mutation affecting atrial fibrillation. However, despite the possibility that the S140G gene mutation may affect not only atrial but also ventricular action potential shape and ventricular responses, there is a lack of research on the relationship between this mutation and ventricular fibrillation. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the correlation and the influence of the KCNQ1 S140G mutant gene on ventricular fibrillation through computer simulation studies. Method: This study simulated a 3-dimensional ventricular model of the wild type(WT) and the S140G mutant conditions. It was performed by dividing into normal sinus rhythm simulation and reentrant wave propagation simulation. For the sinus rhythm, a ventricular model with Purkinje fiber was used. For the reentrant propagation simulation, a ventricular model was used to confirm the occurrence of spiral wave using S1-S2 protocol. Results: The result showed that 41% shortening of action potential duration(APD) was observed due to augmented $I_{ks}$ current in S140G mutation group. The shortened APD contributed to reduce wavelength 39% in sinus rhythm simulation. The shortened wavelength in cardiac tissue allowed re-entrant circuits to form and increased the probability of sustaining ventricular fibrillation, while ventricular electrical propagation with normal wavelength(20.8 cm in wild type) are unlikely to initiate re-entry. Conclusion: In conclusion, KCNQ1 S140G mutation can reduce the threshold of the re-entrant wave substrate in ventricular cells, increasing the spatial vulnerability of tissue and the sensitivity of the fibrillation. That is, S140G mutation can induce ventricular fibrillation easily. It means that S140G mutant can increase the risk of arrhythmias such as cardiac arrest due to heart failure.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.38-44
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• 2012

Objectives : QT interval prolongation and dispersion known as indicators of an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death have been reported to be prolonged in patients with anorexia nervosa. The aims of this study were to compare conduction abnormalities in Korean patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, and to examine its relation with clinical and laboratory factors. Methods : We retrospectively examined 45 women with anorexia nervosa and 75 women with bulimia nervosa who were assessed by 12-lead electrocardiogram at baseline. QT interval and corrected QT interval, QT dispersion of the difference between the longest and shortest QT intervals, and abnormal U wave were measured for conduction abnormalities. Results : QT interval was significantly longer in patients with anorexia nervosa compared with those with bulimia nervosa. There were no differences in QTc (Corrected QT), QTd (QT dispersion) and abnormal U wave between patients with anorexia nervosa and those with bulimia nervosa. QTd was significantly correlated with the lowest ever lifetime body mass index ($kg/m^2$) as well as the serum amylase level in patients with anorexia nervosa. Conclusions : These results suggest some conduction abnormalities reported in patients with anorexia nervosa are also found in patients with bulimia nervosa. It appears that severity of weight loss and purging behavior could affect the cardiac arrhythmia in patients with eating disorders. Appropriate attention should be paid to cardiac involvement in patients with eating disorders.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.402-410
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• 2001

This study was performed to investigate the hemodynamic changes which occur after occlusion of coronary artery and relation to reperfusion arrhythmias(RA) which occur when occlusion materials were removed form coronary artery in dogs. The occlusion of coronary artery was designed by temporary ligation of left circumflex branch of coronary artery during 30 minutes in 16 dogs. During occlusion of coronary artery, cardiac output(CO), mean aortic pressure (mAP), aortic systolic pressure(ASP), aortic diastolic pressure(ADP). left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP), left ventricular maximum dp/dt (LV max. dp/dt) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured. The occurrence of RA were observed for 5 minute after reperfusion by explained of ligation. As a results, cardiac arrest occurred in 4 dogs during occlusion of coronary artery, and RA was not observed in 5 dogs while it was seen in 5 dogs when explained ligation(reperfusion) after 30 minutes, the rest 2 dogs occurred temporary tachycardia. In hemodynamics changes, LVSP decreased by 10.9% and LV max. dp/dt by 5.4 % in comparison to control value which not ligated coronary artery, and LVEDP increased by 73.3%. The CO/min and mAP also decreased by 10.7% and by 11.3% expectedly. In the relationship to occurrence RA and hemodynamics changes, the LVSP and LV max. dp/dt at the time of occlusion in the RA group decreased by 11.9% and 0.8% in comarison to the control value while the decrease was 7.7% and 10% in the non-RA group. But the LVEDP in creased by 109.1% in the RA group while the decreased was 44.6% in the non-RA group. Referring CO/min, the drop was 8.8% in the RA occurrence group and 12.9% in the non-occurence group. These parameters of LVEDP, LV max. dp/dt, and CO were significant difference(p<0.05). The mAP also decreased by 11.9 in the RA group and by 9.8% in the non-RA group, but these defference were not the significant difference.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.3 s.272
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• pp.220-224
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• 2007

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides mechanical cardiopulmonary support and has been used for children with severe respiratory failure, intractable heart failure, sepsis, pulmonary hypertension, and as a bridge to heart transplantation. There have been few reports of the use of ECMO to provide cardiac support in children with low cardiac output as a result of arrhythmias. We report the case of a 15-year-old female with circulatory collapse due to refractory ventricular arrhythmia after one and a half repair in Ebstein's anomaly, who was successfully resuscitated using ECMO.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.10
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• pp.377-382
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• 2012

Purpose: This single-center study aimed to assess the clinical features and surgical approaches and outcomes of complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Methods: TGA patients who had undergone surgical correction at the Kyungpook National University Hospital from January 2000 to December 2010, were retrospectively evaluated for patient characteristics, clinical manifestation, preoperative management, intraoperative findings, postoperative progress, and follow-up status. Results: Twenty-eight patients (17 boys and 11 girls, mean age=$10.6{\pm}21.5$ days) were included and were categorized as follows: group I, TGA with intact ventricular septum (n=13); group II, TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD, n=12); and group III, TGA/VSD with pulmonary stenosis (n=3). Group I underwent the most intensive preoperative management (balloon atrial septostomy and prostaglandin E1 medication). Group II showed the highest incidence of heart failure (P<0.05). Usual and unusual coronary anatomy patterns were observed in 20 (71%) and 8 patients, respectively. Arterial and half-turned truncal switch operations were performed in 25 and 3 patients (Group III), respectively. Postoperative complications included cardiac arrhythmias (8 patients), central nervous system complications (3 patients), acute renal failure (1 patient), infections (3 patients), and cardiac tamponade (1 patient), and no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. Group II showed the mildest aortic regurgitation on follow-up echocardiograms (P<0.05). One patient underwent reoperation, and 1 died. The overall mortality rate was 4%. Conclusion: Our study showed favorable results in all the groups and no significant difference in postoperative complication, reoperation, and mortality among the groups. However, our results were inadequate to evaluate the risk factors for reoperation and mortality owing to the small number of patients and short follow-up duration.