Hemodialysis international
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Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of death in dialysis patients and is usually preceded by sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. A variety of risk factors have been identified that predispose the sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients. ⋯ Secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death may be accomplished by similar pharmacotherapy and by the use of ICDs. Indications for ICD use in dialysis patients are similar to those for nondialysis patients; however, survival rates following ICD implantation in dialysis patients are substantially lower than in non-dialysis patients.
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Metformin (MTF) is one of the most common oral agents used to treat diabetes mellitus. Intoxication is associated with lactic acidosis and has significant clinical consequences. We report 12 cases requiring dialytic intervention. ⋯ The only difference between survivors was the age 53 (± 7) vs. 78 (± 10) (P < 0.05). Metformin toxicity is a serious clinical condition and causes severe lactic acidosis and significant mortality. Hemodialysis is an efficient method to treat MTF intoxication and correct the metabolic abnormalities.