Why we should be more careful using hydroxychloroquine in influenza season during COVID-19 pandemic?

Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Jan:102:389-391. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.080. Epub 2020 Oct 29.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the QTc prolongation and related adverse cardiac events during the administration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its combinations for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hospitalized patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who received HCQ and had initial and follow-up electrocardiograms performed between March 10 and May 30, 2020 were included. Critical QTc prolongation was detected in 12% of the patients. On multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 1.11-30.32, p = 0.037) and the use of oseltamivir (odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.02-28, p = 0.047) were found to be associated with critical QTc prolongation.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cardiac events; Hydroxychloroquine; Predictors; QT prolongation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Azithromycin / administration & dosage
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / administration & dosage
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oseltamivir / adverse effects
  • Oseltamivir / therapeutic use
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

  • Oseltamivir
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Azithromycin