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- Title
Chloroquine-induced QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients.
- Authors
van den Broek, M. P. H.; Möhlmann, J. E.; Abeln, B. G. S.; Liebregts, M.; van Dijk, V. F.; van de Garde, E. M. W.
- Abstract
Background: In the battle against the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic, chloroquine has emerged as a new potential therapeutic option for the treatment of infected patients. A safety consideration for the application of chloroquine is its QTc-prolonging potential. Thus far, no data are available on the QTc-prolonging potential of chloroquine in COVID-19 patients. Objective: To assess the degree of chloroquine-induced QTc prolongation in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Methods: A baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and ECGs recorded during chloroquine treatment were retrospectively collected in patients suspected of having COVID-19. The QTc interval was calculated by computerised and manual interpretation. Baseline and follow-up QTc intervals were compared using the paired samples t-test. Results: A total of 95 patients had a baseline ECG recording and at least one ECG recording during chloroquine therapy. Chloroquine treatment resulted in a mean QTc prolongation of 35 ms (95% CI 28–43 ms) using computerised interpretation and 34 ms (95% CI 25–43 ms) using manual interpretation. No torsade de pointes was observed during chloroquine treatment. After manual review, 22 patients (23%) had a QTc interval exceeding 500 ms during chloroquine treatment. None of these patients had a prolonged QTc interval prior to the initiation of chloroquine treatment. Conclusions: Chloroquine significantly prolongs the QTc interval in a clinically relevant matter. This highlights the need for ECG monitoring when prescribing chloroquine to COVID-19 patients.
- Subjects
COVID-19 pandemic; CHLOROQUINE; PATIENTS; IMMORTALITY of the body; ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY
- Publication
Netherlands Heart Journal, 2020, Vol 28, Issue 7/8, p406
- ISSN
1568-5888
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s12471-020-01429-7