[Partial atrioventricular block and prolonged QT interval in 4 premature infants receiving diphemanil].
Four premature infants presenting with episodes of bradycardia in the first weeks of life were given diphemanil. One of them received an overdose accidentally. Paradoxically, this induced a permanent bradycardia leading to the discovery of a grade II A-V block as well as a prolonged QT interval. Discontinuation of the drug resulted in a prompt normalization of these changes. It is felt that this anticholinergic therapy may have caused a prolongation of the QT interval and, therefore, a partial A-V block in case of sinus tachycardia. Thus, such a therapy should not be given to young premature infants without having checked the QT interval on a ECG tracing and having made sure that it is adapted to the actual heart rate. It is also advised to reduce usual doses.
Villain
E
E
Service de Cardiologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Paris.
Kachaner
J
J
Le Bidois
J
J
Guyon
P
P
Bonnet
D
D
Granier
M
M
Grevisse
C
C
Lucet
P
P
D001919:Bradycardia / Q000188:drug therapy; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010276:Parasympatholytics; D010880:Piperidines; C028209:diphemanil methylsulfate
Bloc auriculo-ventriculaire partiel et allongement de QT chez quatre prématurés recevant du diphémanil.