Complete Heart Block Secondary to Flecainide Toxicity: Is It Time for CYP2D6 Genotype Testing?
PEDIATRICS
Authors: Poh, Bao Hui; Lee, Jan Hau; Haium, Abdul Alim Abdul; Choo, Tze Liang Jonathan
Abstract
In this case study, we highlight the need to consider CYP2D6 gene testing before flecainide initiation in infants because of genetic polymorphism. Flecainide acetate is a Vaughan-Williams class IC antiarrhythmic drug prescribed for the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias. It has a narrow therapeutic index and proarrhythmic effects even at therapeutic doses. Flecainide is metabolized by a CYP2D6 enzyme that exhibits polymorphism. In this case report, we present, to our best knowledge, the first case of toxicity contributed by genetic polymorphism in an infant. Our patient with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia was treated with a therapeutic dose of flecainide but developed heart block requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and subsequent treatment with lipid emulsion therapy. He was found to have supratherapeutic serum flecainide concentration, and gene testing revealed the patient to be an intermediate metabolizer. With this case report, we reinforce the importance of evaluating the CYP2D6 genotype before drug initiation in the neonatal population and recommend regular monitoring of serum flecainide levels and electrocardiograms in these patients.
Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry: An Update on Clinical Usability
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
Authors: van Schaik, Ron H. N.; Muller, Daniel J.; Serretti, Alessandro; Ingelman-Sundberg, Magnus
Abstract
Using pharmacogenetics in guiding drug therapy experiences a steady increase in uptake, although still leads to discussions as to its clinical use. Psychiatry constitutes a field where pharmacogenomic testing might help in guiding drug therapy. To address current challenges, this minireview provides an update regarding genotyping (SNP analysis/arrays/NGS), structural variant detection (star-alleles/CNVs/hybrid alleles), genotype-to-phenotype translations, cost-effectiveness, and actionability of results (FDA/CPIC/PharmGKB) regarding clinical importance of pre-emptive pharmacogenomic testing for prescription of antidepressants and antipsychotics.