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Cisapride-induced long QT interval
M B Lewin1, R M Bryant, A L Fenrich
1Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Insights
Cisapride treatment in an infant with gastroesophageal reflux caused bradycardia and a prolonged QT interval. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing cisapride, indicating a potential risk in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants.
- Cisapride is a medication used to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Observation:
- A 2-month-old infant experienced bradycardia and a prolonged QT interval during cisapride therapy for gastroesophageal reflux.
- Electrocardiogram confirmed 2:1 atrioventricular conduction and a prolonged QT interval.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of cisapride led to the normalization of the infant's heart rhythm and QT interval.
- This suggests a causal relationship between cisapride and the observed cardiac events.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should monitor pediatric patients for cardiac side effects, specifically prolonged QT interval, when prescribing cisapride.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering drug-induced cardiac toxicity in infants and children.
Abstract:
A 2-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux was treated with cisapride. Bradycardia developed and an electrocardiogram revealed 2:1 atrioventricular conduction and a prolonged QT interval. After cessation of cisapride therapy, both the rhythm and the QT interval returned to normal. Prolonged QT interval during treatment with cisapride may occur in children as in adults.
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