Effect of Ventolin on QTc in children with respiratory distress

Introduction: β2–agonists are first election drugs for the treatment of respiratory disease that may alter cardiac autonomic modulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nebulized Ventolin on electrocardiogram, particularly QTc interval to assess the potential arrhythmogenic risks.
Methods: A total of 192 patients between 2 months and 15 years which received nebulized Ventolin were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups. Electrocardiograms of patients before and after nebulized Ventolin were taken. Differences between two groups were assessed using a paired student’s t test.
Results: There was statistically significant differences in QTc before and after Ventolin in each groups (P < 0.005).Ventolin effect on QTc interval in both groups did not differ. In first group, there was statistically significant differences between heart rate before and after Ventolin taken (P = 0.009) but in second group there was not statistically significant differences between heart rate (P = 0.345).
Conclusion: Although Ventolin can cause changes in QTc, Ventolin with 0.15 mg/kg/dose in comparison with 0.1 mg/kg/dose does not cause significant changes in QTc.