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QT interval prolongation associated with the oral use of domperidone in an infant

C M G Rocha1, M M Barbosa

  • 1Ecocenter, Hospital Socor, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Pediatric Cardiology
|February 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Domperidone can treat infant reflux but may cause QT interval prolongation. This heart rhythm issue resolved in a 4-month-old infant after discontinuing the medication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux is a common condition in infants.
  • Conservative treatments are often insufficient for managing infant reflux.
  • Domperidone is an antiemetic that enhances gastric motility and emptying, considered when other methods fail.

Observation:

  • A 4-month-old infant was treated with oral domperidone for gastroesophageal reflux.
  • The infant developed QT interval prolongation, a potentially serious heart rhythm abnormality.

Findings:

  • Domperidone administration was associated with QT interval prolongation in a pediatric patient.
  • Discontinuation of domperidone led to the normalization of the QT interval.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential cardiac risk associated with domperidone use in infants.
  • Careful cardiac monitoring may be warranted in pediatric patients receiving domperidone.
  • Further research is needed to understand the risk-benefit profile of domperidone in children.

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