Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and QTc Prolongation in Lupus Patients on Hydroxychloroquine in Tehran, Iran
Background: Hydroxychloroquine, a commonly prescribed treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has been associated with potential cardiac complications, including QTc prolongation. QTc prolongation increases the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to evaluate elec...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Novelty in Biomedicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.sbmu.ac.ir/nbm/article/view/47828 |
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| Summary: | Background: Hydroxychloroquine, a commonly prescribed treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has been associated with potential cardiac complications, including QTc prolongation. QTc prolongation increases the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to evaluate electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in Iranian SLE patients receiving hydroxychloroquine treatment.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the rheumatology clinic of Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The study included patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving hydroxychloroquine treatment. Demographic and clinical data were collected through patient interviews and medical records. All participants underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and the QT interval was corrected using the Bazett formula. QTc prolongation was defined as QTc≥450 ms. Additionally, fragmented QRS complexes, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and other ECG abnormalities were recorded.
Results: A total of 81 SLE patients on hydroxychloroquine were analyzed. The mean age was 48.5 years, and the average QTc interval was 426.52 ms (SD: 28.82 ms). QTc prolongation was observed in 16.05% of cases. Fragmented QRS complexes were found in the inferior, and V1-V3 leads in several patients, while no right or left bundle branch blocks (RBBB or LBBB) were detected. Three patients presented with PVCs, and one case showed a Brugada pattern.
Conclusion: QTc prolongation and fragmented QRS complexes were identified in many SLE patients treated with hydroxychloroquine. Regular ECG monitoring may be necessary for early detection of potential cardiac risks in this population. |
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| ISSN: | 2345-3907 |