Fatal arrhythmias: Another reason why doctors remain cautious about chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19.
Heart Rhythm
; 17(9): 1445-1451, 2020 Sep.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-436694
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Early during the current coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) received a significant amount of attention as a potential antiviral treatment, such that it became one of the most commonly prescribed medications for COVID-19 patients. However, not only has the effectiveness of HCQ remained questionable, but mainly based on preclinical and a few small clinical studies, HCQ is known to be potentially arrhythmogenic, especially as a result of QT prolongation.OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the arrhythmic effects of HCQ, as the heightened risk is especially relevant to COVID-19 patients, who are at higher risk for cardiac complications and arrhythmias at baseline.METHODS:
An optical mapping technique utilizing voltage-sensitive fluorescent dyes was used to determine the arrhythmic effects of HCQ in ex vivo guinea pig and rabbit hearts perfused with the upper therapeutic serum dose of HCQ (1000 ng/mL).RESULTS:
HCQ markedly increased action potential dispersion, resulted in development of repolarization alternans, and initiated polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.CONCLUSION:
The study results further highlight the proarrhythmic effects of HCQ.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Heart
/
Heart Rate
/
Hydroxychloroquine
/
Antimalarials
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Animals
Language:
English
Journal:
Heart Rhythm
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.hrthm.2020.05.030
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