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Role of Etophylline and Theophylline Prolonged Release Tablet in COVID-19 Associated Sinus Node Dysfunction

Archit Dahiya1, Rajeev Sharma2, Abhimanyu Singh1

  • 1Senior Resident, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|January 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sinus bradycardia is a common COVID-19 complication. A case series showed etophylline and theophylline effectively treated sinus node dysfunction in COVID-19 patients, normalizing heart rates within 72 hours.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Sinus bradycardia is a frequent arrhythmia associated with COVID-19.
  • Current treatments for COVID-19-related cardiac dysfunction are evolving.
  • Temporary pacemaker insertion poses risks during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of etophylline and theophylline in treating sinus node dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
  • To explore alternative treatments for COVID-19-associated bradycardia.

Main Methods:

  • A case series of 10 patients admitted to COVID-19 ICUs with sinus node dysfunction was analyzed.
  • Patients received etophylline and theophylline prolonged release tablets (150mg) once daily.
  • Heart rate was monitored for 72 hours post-treatment initiation.

Main Results:

  • All 10 patients showed heart rates within the normal range after 72 hours of treatment.
  • Etophylline and theophylline effectively managed sinus bradycardia in this cohort.
  • No complications related to the treatment were reported.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 can directly cause myocardial inflammation and injury, leading to sinus node dysfunction.
  • Etophylline and theophylline demonstrate promise as a treatment for COVID-19-related sinus bradycardia.
  • A short course of these medications may be beneficial for managing this arrhythmia in future cases.

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