Association of QTc Prolongation with Remdesivir Therapy in a Patient with Severe COVID-19: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Remdesivir is a direct-acting inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that is used to treat severe COVID-19 infections. We report a patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who have had palpitations and syncope two days after starting remdesivir therapy. The QT interval was prolonged on the Electrocardiogram, but there were no significant electrolyte abnormalities. After completing the remdesivir regimen, the QT interval was normalized. Although the cardiac side effects of remdesivir therapy have been well documented, the link between remdesivir therapy and QT interval prolongation in patients with severe COVID-19 has only been observed in a few cases. Physicians should be aware of QTc interval prolongation associated with remdesivir treatment because this arrhythmia has the potential to cause sudden cardiac death.