Introduction: ECG abnormality is a major problem in COVID-19 patients, especially in the elderly, which can result in fatal dysrhythmias. In this article, QT interval prolongation was investigated in admitted Covid-19 patients of 20-50 years of age without any history of cardiac problems. Methods: This study is a descriptive and analytical study. All consenting patients admitted to the hospital for Covid-19 infection aged 20-50 years old entered the study. Patients with underlying heart and kidney disease, history of taking any medication or cardiac dysrhythmias were excluded. An electrocardiogram was performed on admission and the third day of hospitalization. Results: The average length of hospital stay was 7.9±3.68 days, and all patients had QT interval prolongation after 3 days, but no cardiac dysrhythmia occurred. There was no statistically significant increase in QTc interval for each drug used alone, but the use of various drugs that affect the electrical conduction of the heart and also the presence of underlying inflammation, especially in patient’s heart cells can be the underlying cause of QTc interval prolongation. Many Covid-19 patients have QT interval prolongation. It can be due the infection itself, the drugs used for treatment or viral myocarditis. The results of the present study showed that taking drugs such as kaletra even for 3 days can significantly increase the QTc interval in patients, so care should be taken in the use of these drugs to avoid iatrogenic cardiac disease in patients, although in most cases the increase was mild and didn’t cause mortality in patients.
Key words: Viral Pneumonia, COVID-19 drug therapy, Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions, Cardiotoxicity.
|
