Second-degree atrioventricular heart block after doxapram administration.
Doxapram, a respiratory stimulant, is used to treat idiopathic apnea of prematurity. The side effects reported are minimal. We present three cases of second-degree atrioventricular block caused by QT interval prolongation associated with doxapram administration. All three infants returned to normal sinus rhythm after doxapram administration was stopped.
De Villiers
G S
GS
Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Province, South Africa.
Walele
A
A
Van der Merwe
P L
PL
Kalis
N N
NN
D001049:Apnea / Q000188:drug therapy; D004315:Doxapram / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D006819:Hyaline Membrane Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D019141:Respiratory System Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D019141:Respiratory System Agents; D004315:Doxapram