Effects of Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin on QT
interval in COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) alone or in combination with
azithromycin (AZ) is one of the many therapies being explored for the
treatment of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). We performed a systematic
review regarding the effects of HCQ versus HCQ+AZ on corrected QT
interval (QTc) and cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: We performed a
systematic search, using PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar from
inception to May 3rd, 2020, with studies fulfilling the following
inclusion criteria: (1) compared HCQ versus HCQ+AZ in COVID-19; (2)
reported change in QTc interval and/or cardiovascular outcomes. The
primary outcome was change in QTc (maximum QTc–baseline QTc) and
incidence of TdP in COVID-19 patients on HCQ vs. HCQ+AZ. Results: A
statistically significant change in QTc interval was observed with
HCQ+AZ compared to HCQ alone (WMD 9.13 ms, 95%CI 3.74-14.01, p=0.01,
I2=29.04%). However, no significant difference in the risk of
development of QTc>500 ms was observed between two groups
(10.6% in HCQ vs. 14.7% in HCQ+AZ, RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.32-1.59, p
=0.40, I2 = 35.8%). Also, no significant difference in risk of TdP was
observed between the two groups (0% vs. 0.5%, risk difference
-0.002,95% CI-0.02 to 0.02, p=0.83, I2 =0%, respectively). However,
one patient experienced TdP, three days after discontinuation of HCQ+AZ
for prolonged QTc (499 ms). Conclusion: The risk/benefit of HCQ and AZ
should be carefully contemplated, given the risk of QTc prolongation.
Until further safety data is available, we recommend close monitoring of
QTc interval and electrolytes, avoiding drug-drug interactions in these
high-risk patient populations.