2015, Number 6
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Med Int Mex 2015; 31 (6)
Should QTc be measured before prescribing macrolides?
Gómez-Vázquez HM
Language: Spanish
References: 19
Page: 645-649
PDF size: 500.90 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To measure what percentage of patients has a QTc›450, it means, prolonged.
Material and method: An observational, prospective study in which an electrocardiogram and formula of QTc were done by Bazett formula in 150 consecutive patients of Internal Medicine consultation, older than 40 years, in which physician found any indication to perform a ECG tracing.
Results: In 15 consecutive patients it was found a mean QTc of 425.69, range: 357-511 and normal distribution, 20 patients (13%) had a QTc ≥ 450.
Conclusions: Due to it was found a prolonged QTc in 13% of consecutive stable patients, it is concluded that we always should measure the interval before prescribing azithromycin or clarithromycin, although the risk for each opportunity of prescription is low.
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