[Cardiac rhythm disturbances and prolonged QT interval with halofantrine]

Abstract

Objective: To determine the importance of prolonged QT interval and electrocardiographic changes in children treated with halofantrin for an acute malaria attack.

Results: Out of 25 children treated with halofantrin, nine had an increase of QTc interval < 440 ms and ten a QTc > 440 ms on control 24 h after the first dose. A 9-year-old girl, treated with halofantrin, had bradycardia and increase of QTc interval for six days, with a normal halofantrin blood level.

Conclusion: These data show that cardiac monitoring during halofantrin treatment is mandatory in children as in adults. Contraindications of halofantrin treatment must be respected, particularly a long congenital QT interval.