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Very few research about atrioventricular blocks (AVB) and use of antipsychotic drugs has been made, although it may play an important role in the outcome of any patient affected by psychosis and AVB.
Objectives
To describe a case and review clinical data about AVB progression and neuroleptic treatment.
Methods
We describe a 37 years old inmate male patient who suffered from a first degree AVB and Schizophrenia, being long term treated with neuroleptics (risperidone 9mg/day, switched to paliperidone 9mg/day). Our patient presented very mild symptoms of asthenia and dizziness. An EKG was performed, showing AVB progression to Mobitz Type I1. No structural pathology was assessed by ecocardiography. Holter EKG showed also episodes of third degree AV block. Electrophysiology studies were performed showing a supra-hisian AV Block.
Results
Lower doses of Paliperidone were used (6mg) and maintened until nowadays. Control EKG showed regression to a known first degree AVB.
Being asymptomatic and studies revealing a supra-hisian AVB, no pacemaker was needed.
Conclusions
There is only a few cases described in scientific literature, and very limited data about AVB and neuroleptic drugs, although it is described as possible side effect using risperidone at higher doses. We suggest monitoring EKG to patients affected by AVB, using high doses of neuroleptic drugs. There is no data available about paliperidone metabolites and a possible progression of AVB.
We suggest more studies are needed to better understand and prevent side effects of neuroleptic drugs.
Many children diagnosed with COVID-19 infections did not require hospitalisation. Our objective was to analyse electrocardiographic changes in children with asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19 who did not require hospitalisation
Methods:
All children are seen in a paediatric cardiology clinic who had asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19 that did not require hospitalisation and had at least one electrocardiogram after their diagnosis were included in this retrospective analysis. Records were reviewed to determine COVID-19 disease severity and presence of Long COVID. Rhythm assessment, atrial enlargement, ventricular hypertrophy, PR/QRS/QT interval duration and ST-T wave abnormalities were analysed by a paediatric electrophysiologist. Clinically ordered echocardiograms were reviewed for signs of myopericarditis (left ventricular ejection fraction and pericardial effusion) on any subject with an electrocardiographic abnormality.
Results:
Of the 82 children meeting inclusion criteria (14.4 years, range 1–18 years, 57% male), 17 patients (21%) demonstrated electrocardiographic changes. Ten patients (12%) had electrocardiogram of borderline significance, which included isolated mild PR prolongation or mild repolarisation abnormalities. The other seven patients (9%) had concerning electrocardiographic findings consisting of more significant repolarisation abnormalities. None of the patients with an abnormal electrocardiogram revealed any echocardiographic abnormality. All abnormal electrocardiograms normalised over time except in two cases. Across the entire cohort, greater COVID-19 disease severity and long COVID were not associated with electrocardiographic abnormalities.
Conclusions:
Electrocardiographic abnormalities are present in a minority of children with an asymptomatic, mild or moderate COVID-19 infection. Many of these changes resolved over time and no evidence of myopericarditis was present on echocardiography.
Electrode artifacts may have a spiky, periodic or rhythmic appearance. Characteristically, it is limited to the involved electrode with no field. Sweat artifact may involve multiple channels and may be confused with lateral eye movements or GRDA. Eye movement and glossopharyngeal artifact may mimic frontally predominant GRDA. EKG artifact may be confused with periodic discharges. Characteristically, it corresponds to the QRS complexes. Ventilatory artifact may be confused with bursts of cerebral activity. Characteristically, it corresponds to the respiratory rate. Head tremor presents as occipital predominant rhythmic artifact. Maneuvers and devices such as bed-percussion, CRRT, ECMO, CPR and even brushing teeth may lead to ictal appearing rhythmic artifacts.Discharges associated with cortical myoclonus are best appreciated in the central channels as these are relatively free of muscle artifact. Chewing artifact may electrographically mimic a generalized tonic clonic seizure
Peripheral psychophysiology comprises a broad range of reliable research methods which have collectively made enormous contributions to the field of clinical psychology. This chapter provides a bird’s-eye view of peripheral psychophysiology methods and summarizes a selection of their best-replicated clinical correlates. The chapter begins by reviewing influential theoretical models used to explain the link between physiology and psychological experiences, including Polyvagal Theory and the Neurovisceral Integration Model. A discussion follows of cross-measure methodological considerations when conducting peripheral psychophysiological research. Finally, several specific measures are examined: cardiovascular (heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia), electrodermal (skin conductance), startle responses, electro-oculography (eye-tracking), and pupillometry. For each measure, its history, the underlying biological mechanisms, methodological recommendations, and selected clinical findings are discussed. This chapter provides an approachable introduction to this expansive field and also updates methodological recommendations and the associated clinical literature.
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