Remdesivir associated sinus bradycardia in patients with COVID-19

IFIA Scientific Articles

Abstract

Background: Remdesivir is effective against SARS-Cov-2 with little evidence of its adverse effect on the cardiac system. The aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of bradycardia in COVID-19 patients treated with Remdesivir.
Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted in a tertiary center on COVID-19 patients for Remdesivir therapy. The objectives were to investigate the incidence of sinus bradycardia, and also the association between their demographics, underlying diseases, and the disease severity with developing bradycardia in COVID-19 patients treated with Remdesivir.

Conclusion: As sinus bradycardia is a prevalent adverse cardiac effect of Remdesivir, it is recommended that all COVID-19 patients receiving Remdesivir, be evaluated for heart rate based on examination; and in the case of bradyarrhythmia, cardiac monitoring should be performed during administration to prevent adverse drug reactions.
Keywords: remdesivir, bradycardia, COVID-19, arrhythmia, ECG, cardiotoxicity, SARS-CoV-2