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A Pilot Study: Cardiac Parameters in Children Receiving New-Generation Antidepressants
Mai Uchida1, Andrea E Spencer, Tara Kenworthy
1From the *Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital; and †Pediatric Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|March 17, 2017
Summary
This study found that therapeutic doses of non-tricyclic antidepressants (non-TCAs) are safe for children, showing no links to QTc prolongation or other cardiovascular issues. These findings support the cardiovascular safety of non-TCAs in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Psychopharmacology
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding citalopram's association with QTc prolongation in adults.
- The cardiovascular safety of non-tricyclic antidepressants (non-TCAs) in children requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between therapeutic doses of non-TCAs and QTc prolongation in children.
- To determine the cardiovascular safety of non-TCAs in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 49 children and adolescents (6-17 years) received non-TCAs (citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, etc.).
- Doses were standardized into citalopram equivalent doses (CEDs).
- Correlation and regression analyses compared CEDs with QTc intervals and other cardiovascular parameters.
Main Results:
- No significant associations were found between CEDs and QTc intervals or other cardiovascular parameters.
- A correlation between PR interval and total daily dose in citalopram/escitalopram users was noted but disappeared with weight-based or age-corrected doses.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic doses of non-TCAs appear safe for pediatric use.
- No significant adverse cardiovascular effects, including QTc prolongation, were observed in children treated with non-TCAs.
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