Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO164

A Case of Pilsicainide Hydrochloride Toxicity That Relapsed After Discontinuation of Hemodialysis

Session Information

• Drug Events Trainee Case Reports
  November 07, 2019 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Trainee Case Report

• 1800 Pharmacology (PharmacoKinetics, -Dynamics, -Genomics)

Authors

• Yamada, Takayuki, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, United States

Takayuki Yamada,

• Wakui, Hiromichi, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan

Hiromichi Wakui,

• Tamura, Kouichi, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan

Kouichi Tamura,

• Takahashi, Toshiya, Hadano Red Cross Hospital, Hadano, Kanagawa, Japan

Toshiya Takahashi,

• Miura, Takahiko, Yokohama Sakae Kyosai Hospital, Kanagawa-ken, Japan

Takahiko Miura,

• Takizawa, Toshikazu, Hadano Red Cross Hospital, Hadano, Kanagawa, Japan

Toshikazu Takizawa,

• Burger, Alfred, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, United States

Alfred Burger,

• Charen, Elliot M., Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, New York, United States

Elliot M. Charen,

Introduction

Pilsicainide is a class I C sodium channel blocker known to be effective in treating atrial fibrillation (Afib). However, the high plasma concentration of pilsicainide can trigger ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation. We present a case of pilsicainide induced VT, which relapsed after discontinuation of hemodialysis (HD).

Case Description

An 84-year-old male with a history of hypertension, paroxysmal Afib on pilsicainide, and Parkinson’s disease developed a cough and fever three days before admission. One day prior, he became lethargic and was brought to a local hospital. A 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) showed VT. He was transferred to our hospital due to pilsicainide toxicity. His creatinine increased to 6.2mg/dL secondary to sepsis (baseline 0.9 mg/dL). We initiated emergent HD, which narrowed the QRS instantly (Figure). We performed 3 hours of HD. Two hours after ending HD his QRS prolonged again; we resumed HD followed by direct hemoperfusion. The QRS remained narrow after the 2^nd HD session. He remained hemodynamically stable and was transferred to the initial hospital. Serum pilsicainide levels were: at previous hospital 3.47 µg/mL, on admission 2.61 µg/mL, after 1^st HD 2.31 µg/mL, after 2^nd HD 1.1 µg/mL, and after hemoperfusion 0.76 µg/mL.

Discussion

Pilsicainide is excreted by the kidney; therefore, elimination is prolonged in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The mean clearance of this drug by HD is 32 %. Interestingly, the QRS was narrow during HD even though the serum pilsicainide level was high. The volume of distribution of this medication is 1.7 L/kg in CKD patients; most of the drug is distributed in the tissue. We infer that the drug in the tissue was re-distributed after HD. In conclusion, pilsicainide should be administered cautiously to elderly patients even if the serum creatinine is normal. Serum pilsicainide level may not correlate with EKG findings.