June 19, 2020

The Cardiac Toxicity of Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• [pre-print, not peer reviewed] A systematic review and meta-analysis (n=19 studies; 5,652 patients) studied the incidence of cardiac endpoints among COVID-19 patients treated with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, including QT prolongation—a potential precursor to the arrhythmias torsades de pointes (TdP) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) or cardiac arrest—as well as TdP/VT or cardiac arrest. The pooled incidence was 90 per 1,000 for prolonged QTc, 3 per 1,000 for TdP/VT or cardiac arrest, and 50 per 1,000 for discontinuation of either medication due to prolonged QTc or arrhythmias. Treatment of COVID-19 patients with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine is associated with a substantial risk of QTc prolongation and its sequelae. 

Tleyjeh et al. (June 18, 2020). The Cardiac Toxicity of Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis. Pre-print downloaded June 19 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.16.20132878