Hydroxychloroquine, QTc Prolongation and Risk of Torsades De Pointes

Overview

Journal Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis

Date 2023 Dec 13

PMID 38089162

Authors

Sarah Subhan

Andy Wang

Subo Dey

Wei Tang

Wilbert S Aronow

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a common medication used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. As a result of its widespread use during COVID-19, there are increasing concerns about its cardiotoxicity. HCQ is known to cause QTc prolongation, and its long-term use has been associated with cardiomyopathy and conduction abnormalities. Despite reports of ventricular arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients taking HCQ, there have been reassuring data in approved indications. HCQ has been in use for several decades with a good safety profile. In addition to better disease control and prevention of flares, it is associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. But given its small risk of cardiotoxicity, clinicians should be aware of this effect and monitor patients for developing cardiac symptoms.

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