EFFECTS OF CISAPRIDE ON QTC INTERVAL IN NEONATES

Aim-Prospective survey of the effects of cisapride on QTc interval in neonates given cisapride. Methods-QTc interval was determined just bef ore and 2.9 (0.9) days after outset of the treatment in 49 neonates tr eated with cisapride between 1 August 1995 and 29 February 1996. Resul ts-Cisapride significancy increased QTc interval (p = 0.0001), and thi s was higher when birthweight or gestational age were lower. The prolo ngation of QTc interval above the arbitrary value of 0.450 (n = 7) was clinically asymptomatic and was significantly more common in the infa nts born with a gestational age less than or equal to 33 weeks (n = 6) . Conclusion-The findings indicate that cisapride accumulates in less mature neonates. Further pharmacokinetic studies are needed.