QT prolongation associated with azithromycin/hydroxychloroquine combination in treatment of COVID-19: a single centre study

Background: The long QT syndrome is characterized by prolongation of interval, which may lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Objectives were assess prevalence, quantity and severity QTc with combined drugs (azithromycin hydroxychloroquine) in adults COVID-19 patients treated on these agents at KFSHRC. And characterize complications drugs.Methods: A retrospective cohort study KFSH&RC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Baseline daily ECG was done until completion duration as per KFSH&RC guidelines for management Covid-19, prolongation>500 or increase least 60 ms compared the pre-drug baseline value, presence conductive (torsades de pointes). defined as>470 male >480 female American Heart Association. risk score that has been validated Tisdale et al, prediction drug-related admitted care unit. specified one month after approval Research Ethics committee.Results: total 74 included study. distributed according their following: low (67/74), medium (6/74), high (1/74). Two started both azithromycin hydroxychloroquine. them his 490, Azithromycin stopped reached 502. second patient 471, starting treatment; range 472-475, hydroxychloroquine day 4. None had torsades pointes. Only risk, no recorded, but 499 three, so stopped. Repeated showed: decreased 478, Conclusions: In this single centered-retrospective cohort, we noticed a small percentage developed use combination. With increasing developing number who condition increased. We used scoring system Identifying hospitalized interval could interventions reduce pointes May 2013.5 our population significant drugs.