Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest from abiraterone-induced hypokalemia: a case report.

Background: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PMVT) is an unstable and often fatal cardiac tachyarrhythmia. While there are many causes of this rhythm, including electrolyte imbalances, ischemia, and genetic disorders, iatrogenic etiologies are important to recognize. Abiraterone is an androgen synthesis antagonist effective in treating prostate cancer, but here we describe a case of severe hypokalemia secondary to abiraterone resulting in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest.

Evaluation of Pharmacist Medication Education and Post-discharge Follow-up in Reducing Readmissions in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).

Background: Hospital readmissions have been shown to contribute to both patient morbidity and rising health care expenditures across a number of disease processes. Adherence to a cardioprotective drug regimen is particularly important after ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) because it is an acute condition associated with high patient morbidity and mortality.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist intervention with regard to reduction in hospital readmissions and improvement in medication adherence and literacy.