[QT interval prolongation and psychotropic drugs in children and adolescents: proposed guideline].

--Several psychotropic drugs that are prescribed to children and adolescents can prolong the QT interval on ECG. QT prolongation can cause a potentially fatal type ofventricular tachycardia known as 'torsade de pointes'. --In 1999, the American Heart Association published a guideline on cardiovascular monitoring of children and adolescents receiving psychotropic drugs. --A similar guideline does not exist in the Netherlands. A survey of Dutch child and adolescent psychiatrists revealed a need for guidelines on QT monitoring in children and adolescents taking psychotropic drugs associated with QT prolongation. --A multidisciplinary panel of professionals drafted a proposed guideline for QT monitoring in patients treated with QT-prolonging psychotropic drugs. --The proposed guideline is summarised in two flowcharts, one for the first consultation and one for follow-up visits.