Pediheart Podcast #114: Navigating The QTc Prolonging Potential Of Possible Therapies For COVID-19

Summary: This week's episode, co-branded with SADS.ORG, reviews a recent guideline paper by the Mayo Clinic on how to improve the safety of potential COVID-19 therapies such as azithromycin or hydroxychloroquine. These agents can both prolong the QT interval and enhance the risk for torsades making the development of a simple protocol to prevent possible life threatening cardiac side effects critical, particularly in an era before there is strong scientific evidence of efficacy of these agents when used for this indication. Dr. Ackerman shares with us his thoughts on a brief protocol he devised with his colleagues to identify 'at risk' individuals and shares his thoughts on how to thoughtfully consider the risks of these agents when considering their use for COVID-19 therapy. A timely episode with one of the world's greatest authorities on the QT interval in Professor Ackerman. Dr. Ackerman's algorithm is located at <a href="https://cdn.prod-carehubs.net/n1/802899ec472ea3d8/uploads/2020/03/2020-COVID-QTc-Algorithm-Internal-and-Media.pdf" rel="noopener">https://cdn.prod-carehubs.net/n1/802899ec472ea3d8/uploads/2020/03/2020-COVID-QTc-Algorithm-Internal-and-Media.pdf</a> and the website he mentioned regarding a novel QT calculator for COVID patients is located at: <a href="https://www.covidqtc.com" rel="noopener">https://www.covidqtc.com</a> .