Glucocorticoid-associated Bradycardia.
BACKGROUND
Glucocorticoids are known to cause several side-effects. This retrospective study addresses the relation of glucocorticoid therapy and heart rate. Patient charts of 61 children, treated with (the equivalent of) 1 to 5 mg/kg/d prednisone, were analyzed.


METHODS
Heart rate decreased by 31 (95% CI=23-39) beats/min 72 hours after start treatment, and 63.9% of the children developed at least once a pulse rate <2.5th percentile for age during the first 88 hours after start of treatment. None of the children developed symptoms of reduced cardiac output.


CONCLUSIONS
A reduction in heart rate sometimes leading to sinus bradycardia may be a common early side-effect of glucocorticoid treatment in children.
van der Gugten
Anne
A
Utrecht University Medical School, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Bierings
Marc
M
Frenkel
Joost
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005938:Glucocorticoids