Abstract 17195: Hydroxychloroquine Associated Electrocardiographic Changes in Patients With COVID-19 Extend Beyond QTc Prolongation and Are Accentuated in Those With Myocardial Injury

Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is known to cause QTc prolongation, however its association with other ECG changes and how those are related to markers of myocardial injury in COVID-19 patients (pts) are not well described. Hypothesis: To study ECG changes in COVID-19 pts with or without troponin (Tn) elevation >3X normal (Tn +/-), who were or were not treated with HCQ (+/-). Methods: This is an observational study of pts admitted with COVID-19. All had at least 3 ECGs during admission; on day 1, day 2-3 and day 4-6. Pre-admission and final ECGs were included when available. Pts were excluded if they had atrial fibrillation, paced QRS, QRS>120msec, STEMI, or end stage renal disease. QRS, QTc, PR, P wave duration, QRS amplitude and the sum of T wave deflections in both limb and precordial leads were measured. Data were collected on medical history, illness severity, electrolytes, and medications within the 12-hour window of each ECG. Results: A total of 116 pts were included: 85 HCQ+ (40% Tn+) and 31 HCQ- (48% Tn+). There were no differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, illness severity or mortality. Significant QTc prolongation was noted only in the HCQ+ group (p Conclusions: HCQ related ECG effects extend beyond QTc prolongation. These are most notable in pts with evidence of myocardial injury.