A case report on the association between QTc prolongation and remdesivir therapy in a critically ill patient. (2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harbi, Shmeylan Al; AlFaifi, Mashael; Al-Dorzi, Hasan M.; Aljuhani, Ohoud; Alenazi, Abeer A.; Alalawi, Mai; Sulaiman, Khalid Al
• Is Part Of: IDCases. Volume 29(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022
• Subjects: Remdesivir -- QTc prolongation -- Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19); Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Case Reports; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-2509

Abstract

Abstract: Remdesivir is a direct-acting inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that is used to treat severe COVID-19 infections. We report a patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who experienced palpitations and syncope two days after starting remdesivir therapy. The QTc interval was prolonged on the Electrocardiogram (ECG) without any significant electrolyte abnormalities or concomitant use of medications with QTc prolongation. Although the cardiac side effects of remdesivir therapy have been well documented, the link between remdesivir therapy and QTc interval prolongation in patients with severe COVID-19 has only been observed in a few cases. Because this arrhythmia has the potential to result in sudden cardiac death, practitioners should be aware of the QTc interval prolongation associated with remdesivir therapy.