Digital Holter measurement of QT prolongation in ziprasidone overdose.

Objective: QT prolongation is an important complication in drug overdose, particularly with some antidepressants and antipsychotics. There are problems with the accurate measurement of the QT interval and determining for what QT interval patients should be monitored, because of the risk of torsades des pointes (TdP). We report a case of ziprasidone overdose with QT prolongation, demonstrating different methods of measuring the QT interval.

Reviewing deaths in the emergency department: deaths in the department or deaths within 48 h.

Objectives: To investigate an ED death audit process that included deaths occurring within 48 h of admission in addition to deaths in the ED.

Methods: The study was a review of a prospective audit process undertaken in routine clinical practice that included auditing deaths in the ED and deaths of admitted patients within 48 h of ED presentation. Data were extracted from the audit database and included demography, clinical information and medical recommendations.