Electrical storm in hemodialysis: A story of death reversed 65 times

Abstract

Background. Ventricular arrhythmias, common in dialysis patients, are potentially lethal; when 2 episodes of ventricular arrhythmia occur within 24 hours-with a normal sinus rhythm in between-it is called an electrical storm. Methods. This article reports on the case of a 70-year-old male patient who experienced 65 episodes of ventricular arrhythmia during dialysis over a 2-year period. Results. Because of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator and immediate access to antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone and lidocaine, the patient survived the ventricular arrhythmias-and death itself-65 times. Conclusion. This case highlights the importance of the availability of antiarrhythmic medications and automated external defibrillators in dialysis units and stresses the need to train personnel in the dialysis unit in the use of external defibrillators. Peritoneal dialysis is a possible alternative in patients prone to electrical storm.