QT PROLONGATION WITH THE USE OF ORAL ARTEMETHER-LUMEFANTRINE COMBINATION THERAPY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of patients developing QT prolongationwith the use of oral Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) combination therapy. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in general medicinedepartment of Khyber Teaching Hospital from January to December 2018. A totalof 133 patients were selected on basis of consecutive (non-probability)sampling. All adult patients (irrespective of gender) presenting with high gradefever having positive blood smear (thick and thin blood films) for plasmodiumfalciparum and not taken any antimalarial treatment in the preceding seven dayswere included in the study. All information was entered in pre designed proforma. Results: Total 133 patients were including. Mean age was 30 ± 3.18 years.About 72% patients were males while 28% patients were female. Prolongcorrected QT interval among 133 patients were analyzed, and no patient withprolonged corrected QT interval was observed. Conclusion: It can be concluded that AL is a safe drug combination for thetreatment of falciparummalaria with negligible adverse effects on QT profile. Key Words: QT Prolongation, Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria, Artemether,Lumefentarine.