QT INTERVAL AND DRUG-THERAPY - RECOMMENDA TIONS FOR DRUG PRESCRIPTIONIN PATIENTS WITH THE LONG QT SYNDROME

The genetics of the long QT syndrome are now better understood. Howeve r, there is much heterogeneity as three different genes have already b een identified affecting the function of sodium and potassium channels . The aim of these recommendations is to draw up a list of drugs which are contraindicated or not recommended in patients with congenital lo ng QT syndromes. The conraindicated drugs are those with which torsade s de pointe have already been described. Drugs not recommended are sub stances which are not electrohysiologically neutral and for which, in View of their modes of action, their metabolism or belonging to a part icular therapeutic class, make them very difficult to use in those pat ients. It is therefore better not to prescribe them whenever possible in this condition. These substances belong mainly to cardiovascular (e specially antiarrhythmic), psychotropic, anti-infectious and antialler gic groups of drugs.