Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and ventricular fibrillation

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac dysrhythmias, most often premature atrial or ventricular contractions, are occasionally reported during subclavian or internal jugular centr l venous catheter (CVC) insertion.1 Arrhythmias are usually self-limited and do not require treatment. Human and experimental research has identified cardioautonomic and respiratory dysfunction as a frequent accompaniment in human and animal model events of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).2 Electrocardiography predictors of sudden cardiac death have been described in people with chronic epilepsy, but their significance for SUDEP remains to be confirmed. Epidemiological risk factors comprise male sex, young age at epilepsy onset, symptomatic cause, longer duration of epilepsy, frequent convulsive seizures and polytherapy. No data are currently available on patients with epilepsy who need CVC placement. … etc