[Weight loss pills purchased on the internet as the cause of ventricular fibrillation]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2013 Mar 11;175(11):739-40.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

We present a case regarding a 25-year-old woman who had been taking unauthorized weight loss pills prior to a sudden cardiac arrest from which she was resuscitated by paramedics. Her initial electrocardiogram revealed a prolonged corrected QT-interval (QTc). During admission she developed torsades de pointes and was treated with magnesium sulphate and temporary pacing. An electrophysiological study, a coronary angiogram and genetic testing for long QT syndrome all revealed normal results. After cessation of the pills the QTc normalized, and two weeks later she was discharged.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / adverse effects*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / chemically induced*
  • Weight Loss / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents