Arrhythmia may contribute to neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients

Forero-Peña et al. described immediate and long-term neuropsychiatric complications following the Novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and discussed the possible roles of (hydroxy)chloroquine and dexamethasone on these neuropsychiatric symptoms… However, arrhythmia may also contribute to neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 Patients and should not be neglected. Through literature search, we summarized abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in COVID-19 patients. Sinus tachycardia was the most common arrhythmia found in the patients, with frequencies of 16.9% - 70.4% (Table 1)… Thus, anti-arrhythmic drugs, such as amiodarone and metoprolol may be used for COVID-19 patients with ventricular arrhythmia to reduce the possible complication of neuropsychiatric disorders… Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have been widely used in COVID-19 treatments. However, there is compelling evidence that chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine induce significant QTc prolongation and potentially increase the risk of arrhythmia… Either psychiatric symptoms or arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients undergoing steroid treatments have not been well described in the literature. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.