eMJA: In Other Journals, 16 February 2009

In Other Journals

16 February 2009

Sudden cardiac death and antipsychotics

Users of newer, atypical antipsychotic drugs show a similar dose-related increased risk of sudden cardiac death to those using the typical medications, say US researchers. The adjusted incidence of sudden cardiac death was calculated in a retrospective cohort study of over 90 000 users of antipsychotic drugs and 186 600 controls. The study included provision in the design and analysis to account for confounders such as behavioural risk factors, and the concomitant use of other medications. The authors comment that the perceived greater safety of atypical antipsychotics in regard to cardiac events may not be justified.

N Engl J Med 2009; 360: 225-235

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