Cardiac rhythm disturbances and prolongation of the QTc interval with halofantrine

Objective.-To determine the importance of prolonged QT interval and electro cardiographic changes in children treated with halofantrin for an acute mal aria attack. Results.-Out of 25 children treated with halofantrin, nine had an increase of QTc interval <440 ms and ten a QTc >440 ms on control 24 h after the fir st dose. A 9-year-old girl, treated with halofantrin, had bradycardia and i ncrease of QTc interval for six days, with a normal halofantrin blood level . Conclusion.-These data show that cardiac monitoring during halofantrin trea tment is mandatory in children as in adults. Contraindications of halofantr in treatment must be respected, particularly a long congenital QT interval (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.