title: Pediatric cardiovascular effects of imipramine and desipramine.
abstract: Electrocardiograms were evaluated in 39 children and adolescents before and after the clinical use of imipramine and desipramine. The average increase in PR interval was 0.01 seconds. The PR interval increased by 0.02 seconds in 11 subjects, and a new first-degree atrioventricular block developed in two subjects. These changes were not related to the choice between imipramine and desipramine, the dose, or the method of administration. An increase in PR interval by 0.02 seconds or more did correlate with having an abnormality disclosed on a pretreatment electrocardiogram. The average increase in PR interval was 0.007 seconds for subjects with normal baseline electrocardiograms and 0.019 seconds for subjects with conduction and nonconduction abnormalities disclosed in baseline tracings. None of the electrocardiogram changes resulted in adverse clinical consequences.
authors.affiliation: Highline-West Seattle Mental Health Center, WA 98168.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Bartels
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Varley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Stamm
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003891:Desipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects
chemical_list: D007099:Imipramine; D003891:Desipramine