[Lengthening of the QT-interval in a newborn treated with cisapride]

In a 7-week-old female infant a prolonged QTc interval, up to 485 ms, was measured and attributed to the use of the prokinetic agent cisapride. The girl was born at 32 1/7 weeks of gestational age, started to use cisapride (0.8 mg/kg/day) at the age of 7 weeks because of gastro-oesophageal reflux. After cessation of cisapride therapy, the QTc interval returned to normal. A normal QTc interval had also been observed before the use of cisapride. Because of the risk of QTc prolongation and possibly cardiac arrhythmias during the use of cisapride by newborn infants, electrocardiography should be performed before and during cisapride therapy; they should also be checked for possible risk factors like electrolyte disturbances and congenital QTc prolongation. Prudence is called for in case of patients with pre-existing disorders which could result in QT prolongation like electrolyte disturbances, congenital QT prolongation, and the concomitant use of medication associated with QT prolongation.