ACUTE EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS ON VENTRICULAR REPOLARIZATION

• Main Authors: Berat Uguz, Selma Tiryakioglu, Evren Dal, Aysu Kivrak Tihan, Kivanc Yalin, Hakan Ozkan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Association of medical doctors Sanamed Novi Pazar 2020-12-01
• Series: Sanamed
• Subjects: synthetic cannabinoids; bonzai; ventricular repolarization heterogeneity; adverse cardiovascular effects
• Online Access: http://www.sanamed.rs/OJS/index.php/Sanamed/article/view/453/241

Objective: The usage of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) has increased both in Turkey and all worldwide. Here, we evaluate if SCs cause ventricular repolarization abnormalities using initial and after 12th-hour electrocardiograms in patients with acute intoxication of SCs. We examined changes in the QTc and cTp-e parameters to demonstrate ventricular repolarization effects of the usage of SCs. Material and Methods: We used a prospective study design. Twenty patients were included who visited the emergency department, complaining of clouding of consciousness after using SCs. The QT, QTc and Tp-e intervals and several other electrocardiographic parameters were measured at baseline and 12 hours after the usage of SCs. Results: The QRS duration was significantly decreased (102.1±15.5 ms vs 95.0±10.7 ms; p=0.022). We noted a significant decrease in cQT measurements at the end of the 12th hour (426.6±47.2 ms vs 390.4±42.9 ms; p=0.002). Similarly, the Tp-e and cTp-e values decreased significantly when SCs lost its acute effect (93.4±21.1 ms vs 77.4±21.0 ms; p=0.014, 105.3±28.5 ms vs 88.1±21.5 ms; p=0.01). Conclusions: The usage of SCs affects ventricular repolarization heterogeneity based on QTc and Tp-e intervals.