[Cardiac rhythm disturbances and prolonged QT interval with halofantrine].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the importance of prolonged QT interval and electrocardiographic changes in children treated with halofantrin for an acute malaria attack.


RESULTS
Out of 25 children treated with halofantrin, nine had an increase of QTc interval < 440 ms and ten a QTc > 440 ms on control 24 h after the first dose. A 9-year-old girl, treated with halofantrin, had bradycardia and increase of QTc interval for six days, with a normal halofantrin blood level.


CONCLUSIONS
These data show that cardiac monitoring during halofantrin treatment is mandatory in children as in adults. Contraindications of halofantrin treatment must be respected, particularly a long congenital QT interval.
Lavallée
I
I
Hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, 74-82, avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75674 Paris, France.
Marc
E
E
Moulin
F
F
Treluyer
J M
JM
Imbert
P
P
Gendrel
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D010616:Phenanthrenes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000962:Antimalarials; D010616:Phenanthrenes; C023768:halofantrine
Troubles du rythme et allongement de l'espace QT sous halofantrine.