Usefulness of serial pulmonary function testing as an indicator of amiodarone toxicity

摘要: Abstract A prospective study was conducted of 189 patients treated with amiodarone, maintained at doses 400 to 800 mg/day and followed for up 6 years. Only who had life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias unresponsive conventional therapy were enrolled, they underwent baseline pretreatment pulmonary function tests, follow-up testing every months. Morbidity mortality statistics confirmed by chart review patient telephone interview. Of the enrolled patients, 101 are alive, 84 dead 4 lost follow-up. Amiodarone-induced toxicity neurologic system, lungs, thyroid or liver primary complicating cause death in 12 died. The overall prevalence all these forms 15%. Sixty-nine percent amiodarone atone combined other toxicity. Pulmonary test abnormalities noted 75% amiodarone-induced proportion abnormal tests not significantly different among toxic nontoxic patients. An evaluation decrease over time could distinguish developed from those did not. observed incidence is consistent published values; however, contrary findings others, no statistically significant differences changes found between Differences previous may be reflective more severe illness present population as evidenced high a subsequent cardiac death. Two have been previously reported: nonpulmonary organs, frequent finding concurrent multiple organ involvement data indicate that only nonspecific indicator preexisting cardropulmonary disease. In absence specific diagnostic test, diagnosis rests on constellation characteristics compiled chest x-rays, physical signs compatible history.