| Sumario: | Introduction: Amiodarone has been reported to be associated with QTc interval prolongation and Torsades de pointes (TdP). This study aimed to assess the incidence and identify the risk factors of QTc prolongation and TdP associated with intravenous amiodarone therapy in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic health records of Buddhachinaraj Hospital, a tertiary care center in Thailand, between January 2016 and September 2019. The study population comprised patients with AF who received intravenous amiodarone therapy. Incidence and associated risk factors for QTc interval prolongation and TdP were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 2,944 patients were included in the analysis. Among these, 49 cases of intravenous amiodarone-associated QTc interval prolongation or TdP were identified (33 (1.12%) and 16 (0.54%) cases, respectively), corresponding to an overall incidence of 1.66% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23 - 2.19). Multivariable analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.85; 95% CI: 1.02 - 3.38; p-value = 0.045), history of stroke (aOR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.26 - 7.57; p-value = 0.014), use of antipsychotic medications (aOR: 3.07; 95% CI: 1.64 - 5.74; p-value < 0.001), and use of anticholinergic medications (aOR: 3.89; 95% CI: 1.54 - 9.85; p-value = 0.004) were significantly associated with an increased risk of QTc interval prolongation and TdP following amiodarone therapy for AF patients. Conclusion: Although the incidence of QTc interval prolongation and TdP related to intravenous amiodarone therapy in patients with AF was relatively low, the risk was significantly elevated in individuals with diabetes mellitus, a history of stroke, or concurrent use of antipsychotic or anticholinergic agents. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant risk assessment and monitoring in clinical practice to mitigate the potential for intravenous amiodarone-induced arrhythmic complications.
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