Abstract

AZNAR-GARCIA, M; CANTO-MANGANA, J  and  MARTINEZ-DE LA PLATA, JE. Atrial fibrillation and QT prolongation after a single dose of hydroxychloroquine. Rev. OFIL·ILAPHAR [online]. 2023, vol.33, n.2, pp.206-208.  Epub Mar 04, 2024. ISSN 1699-714X.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/s1699-714x2023000200015.

Non-antiarrhythmic drugs may induce QT-prolongation and increase the risk of arrhythmias. Recent studies have determined that there is a risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) due to QT prolongation. We report a case of FA associated to QT prolongation secondary to a single dose of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in an 83-years-old polymedicated patient admitted to our hospital due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Quetiapine was prescribed as regular medicine after admission and a 5-days oral HCQ regimen was started for COVID-19. Thirty minutes after HCQ loading dose, FA was reported on electrocardiogram (EKG). COVID-19 treatment is leading to use off-label drugs that may generate adverse effects. It should be considered that drugs that induce QT prolongation may be triggers for atrial arrhythmias. There is not any report of sudden onset of increased QT interval with associated arrythmia after a single dose of HCQ, even in a short course treatment.

Keywords : Hydroxychloroquine; prolonged QT interval; COVID-19; atrial fibrillation; adverse drug reactions; drug interactions.

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