Bains S, Lador A, Neves R, et al. - Findings indicate that chronic intravenous (IV) lidocaine infusion can be employed as a potential “bridge to transplant” in patients with type 3 long QT syndrome (LQT3) who are refractory to standard treatment.

• This retrospective review involved 4 (2 female [50%]) of 161 patients with LQT3 (2.5%) who were refractory to standard therapies and therefore received IV lidocaine.

• Median cumulative duration on IV lidocaine was 11.5 months, and persistent ventricular arrhythmias was the main indication for IV lidocaine in all cases.

• A significant reduction of LQT3-triggered cardiac events was achieved with lidocaine infusion, in all patients.

• Dizziness (n = 2, 50%) and seizures (n = 2, 50%) occurred as the main side effects of IV lidocaine.

• Orthotopic cardiac transplantation was received by 3 of 4 (75%) patients during follow-up, and the remaining patient continues to receive IV lidocaine bolus for rescue as required.