Effects of Cisapride on QTc Interval in Children

Objective: Cisapride is a prokinetic drug with different reports on its cardiac side effects. As there might be a genetic susceptibility for the effects of this drug, we studied its effects on QTc interval of children in our region.Material & Methods: This semi-experimental study was performed on children aged over one month, who attended Amirkola Children's Hospital from October 2004 to March 2005 and needed to be treated with Cisapride. Patients with risk factors such as cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbance and drug usage interfering with Cisapride metabolism were excluded from the study. Cisapride was prescribed orally 0.6mg/kg/day in 3 doses. ECG was taken in lead 11 before drug administration and after one week. QTc intervals before and after treatment were compared. P-value >0.05 was considered significant.Findings. Among 135 admitted children needing Cisapride, 118 cases fulfilled inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 14.1 (1.5) months. The mean QTc intervals before and after treatment were 377 (20) msec and 380 (22) msec, respectively (P=0.1). No child had a QTc interval more than 450 msec.Conclusion. Cisapride (0.6mg/kg/day) did not cause a significant prolonged QTc interval in children with no risk factor.