Cardiac Arrest Following an Iatrogenic 3, 4-Diaminopyridine Intoxication in a Patient with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Abstract

Syndromes with impaired neuromuscular transmission are frequently treated with pyridine derivates. 3,4-diaminopyridine is thought to have fewer side effects than the commonly used, but less potent, 4-aminopyridine. We describe a patient with an initially unrecognized iatrogenic intoxication with 3,4-diaminopyridine. Except for a life threatening arrhythmia, symptoms were similar to a 4-aminopyridine intoxication. The patient made a full recovery with symptomatic treatment and withdrawal of the drug.

Key Words:

• 3, 4 diaminopyridine
• poisoning
• overdose
• seizures
• drug related
• cardiac arrest
• drug related