There is a need for a rapid predictor of potential clinical severity to guide therapy in patients with an acute overdose of tricyclic antidepressant drugs. We performed a prospective study of 49 such patients to observe the associations among serum drug levels, maximal limb-lead QRS duration, and the incidence of seizures and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of maximal limb-lead QRS duration. Group A (13 patients) had a duration of less than 0.10 second, and Group B (36 patients) had a QRS duration of 0.10 second or longer. No seizures or ventricular arrhythmias occurred in Group A. In Group B there was a 34 per cent incidence of seizures and a 14 per cent incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. All patients survived. Serum drug levels failed to predict the risk of seizures or ventricular arrhythmias accurately. Seizures occurred at any QRS duration of 0.10 second or longer (P less than 0.05), but ventricular arrhythmias were seen only with a QRS duration of 0.16 second or longer (P less than 0.0005). We conclude that determination of the maximal limb-lead QRS duration predicts the risk of seizures and ventricular arrhythmias in acute overdose with tricyclic antidepressants. Serum drug levels are not of predictive value.

A dedicated academic rotation that includes protected time, senior faculty mentorship, and program funding, can lead to productive research accomplishments by pediatric residents. Support of academic work during residency training may encourage engagement in a variety of academically oriented activities.

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We recommend that Fab be used in the treatment of digitalis poisoning in infants and young children who have ingested greater than or equal to 0.3 mg of digoxin per kilogram, who have underlying heart disease, or who have a serum digoxin concentration of greater than or equal to 6.4 nmol per liter (greater than or equal to 5.0 ng per milliliter) in the elimination phase; and who also have a life-threatening arrhythmia, hemodynamic instability, hyperkalemia, or rapidly progressive toxicity. Adolescents, who are more sensitive to the toxic effects of digoxin than younger children, may require treatment with Fab after ingesting lower doses.