What is the recommended treatment for Torsades de Pointes?

The recommended treatment for Torsades de Pointes is magnesium. Torsades de Pointes is a specific type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia often associated with a prolonged QT interval. Magnesium plays a critical role in stabilizing the cardiac membrane and can help restore normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing this arrhythmia.

Administering magnesium can effectively terminate Torsades by reducing myocardial irritability. It is particularly beneficial in cases where the condition is linked to electrolyte disturbances, especially hypomagnesemia. As magnesium can be given rapidly and with minimal risk of adverse effects, it is an excellent first-line treatment.

In contrast, while other treatments like amiodarone or cardioversion may be useful in various arrhythmias, they are not the first-line therapy for Torsades de Pointes specifically. Adenosine, typically used for certain supraventricular tachycardias, is not effective in Torsades de Pointes as its mechanism does not address the underlying cause or the specific rhythm disturbance.