EP on EP Episode 44 - QTc Monitoring with Drug Therapy During COVID-19-EP on EP Episode 44

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this interview, Dr. Michael Ackerman from the Mayo Clinic discusses the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin in the treatment of COVID-19. He explains the basics of measuring the QT interval on an ECG and the correctional formulas used. Dr. Ackerman emphasizes the importance of properly assessing the QT interval before starting these medications, as they can potentially prolong the QT interval and lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. He introduces a system of green, yellow, and red light categorizations based on the patient's QT interval, where green indicates a low risk and red indicates a high risk. Dr. Ackerman also mentions the need to consider other factors such as the patient's use of other medications and electrolyte levels when determining the risk of QT prolongation. He emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the need for ongoing monitoring during therapy. The interview concludes with a discussion on the potential therapeutic benefits of hydroxychloroquine and the need for further research in this area.

Keywords

hydroxychloroquine

azithromycin

COVID-19 treatment

QT interval

cardiac arrhythmias