Chloroquine-induced torsade de pointes in a COVID-19 patient

The case for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, as treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic, has been voiced not only in medical journals1, but also in the popular press.2 Not only is the efficacy of these antimalarial and anti-inflammatory compounds as antiviral drugs uncertain, but there is also ongoing debate as to their safety.3 In particular, the magnitude of the proarrhythmic potential of these drugs, specifically related to their QT-prolongation effects, is questioned: On the one hand, the fact chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine block the IKr potassium-channel at the myocyte level, therefore causing QT-prolongation, is well documented.
Source: Heart Rhythm - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research