Safety and heart rate changes in Covid-19 patients treated with Remdesivir

Int J Infect Dis. 2021 Nov:112:254-257. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.09.036. Epub 2021 Sep 20.

Abstract

Objectives: Limited data are available regarding the occurrence and the extent of cardiac rhythm disturbances in patients with COVID-19 treated with Remdesivir.

Methods: We present a case series of 52 patients who underwent daily electrocardiogram (ECG) examination after Remdesivir administration.

Results: Compared to baseline, a significant heart rate reduction was observed after initiation of Remdesivir; however, no case of severe bradycardia or arrhythmias leading to significant clinical complications or Remdesivir discontinuation occurred. Heart rate reduction was proportional to baseline heart rate values (r=0.75, p<0.001). By multivariate analysis, a less severe clinical presentation of Covid-19 (beta=0.47, p<0.01) was related to lower heart rate levels observed after Remdesivir administration.

Conclusions: Despite a significant reduction in heart rate observed after Remdesivir administration, no severe cardiovascular toxicity was observed in Covid-19 patients, even in the case of cardiovascular comorbidities.

Keywords: Cardiovascular Toxicity; Covid-19; Heart Rate; Remdesivir.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Monophosphate / analogs & derivatives
  • Alanine / analogs & derivatives
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • remdesivir
  • Adenosine Monophosphate
  • Alanine