Drug-induced 'Torsade de Pointes' in a COVID-19 patient despite discontinuation of chloroquine. Importance of its long half-life: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early studies have led to the repositioning of a subgroup of antimalarial agents (e.g. chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine) as antiviral treatment in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. These drugs are now being prescribed based on small non-controlled studies, but larger controlled studies have yet to demonstrate the positive effect of these drugs. In addition, these drugs are also known for their QT interval-prolonging effect associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Case summary

We present a case of a 66-year-old female admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. She was treated with chloroquine (QTc interval at baseline was 429 ms). Despite cessation of chloroquine, but after the start of erythromycin, she

SUBMITTER: Semedo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7454487 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature