LAUSR

Background HCQ is a commonly recommended drug for the prophylaxis of COVID-19. One of its rare side-effect includes QTc prolongation. Methods This was a prospective, cross sectional and observational study conducted on Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India. A 3-lead ECG (only limb leads, it does not require chest leads) was performed. The QTc cut offs were pre decided, QTC < 470ms for males and < 480ms for females was considered within the normal limits and anything above this was regarded as QTc prolongation. Results There were 274 HCWs enrolled into the study, including 175 males and 99 females. Majority of the HCWs were young and had a mean age of 32.19±9.29 years. Out of these, 218 were taking HCQ as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines. The median cumulative dose being taken was 1600mg and the median QTc of these participants was 390ms in males and 391.5ms in females. Subsequently, 33 participants were followed-up and found to have a median QTc of 389ms and a cumulative dose of HCQ as 2000mg. Conclusion In conclusion, ours is a first study in the middle of the pandemic which showed that HCQ prophylaxis in young HCWs without comorbidities did not show any QTc prolongation.