Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
https://bjan-sba.org/article/doi/10.1590/S0034-70942009000100007
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
Scientific Article

Estudo das alterações eletrocardiográficas com o uso de antidepressivos tricíclicos em pacientes com dor crônica

A study on electrocardiographic changes secondary to the use of tricyclic antidepressants in patients with chronic pain

Ricardo Joaquim da Cunha Jr.; Louis Barrucand; Nubia Verçosa

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-70942009000100007 Braz J Anesthesiol, vol.59, n1, p.46-55, 2009
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Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os antidepressivos tricíclicos (ADT) são amplamente utilizados como analgésicos para lombalgias crônicas e dores neuropáticas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações eletrocardiográficas dos pacientes com dor crônica em uso de amitriptilina ou imipramina. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 40 pacientes com idade entre 26 e 81 anos (57,27 ± 13,65 anos), de ambos os gêneros (feminino 19, masculino 21), com síndromes neuropáticas (lombociatalgias, síndromes pós-laminectomia, neurites pós-herpética, entre outras); 60% com doenças cardiovasculares; 30% tinham ECG alterado (BRD, BRE, BAV 1º grau, HBAE ou extra-sístoles). Foram realizados e analisados três ECGs: antes do início dos ADT, 30 e 60 dias após o início do tratamento, avaliando os parâmetros PR, QRS, QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc e FC. Trinta e dois pacientes fizeram uso de amitriptilina e oito de imipramina. A dose média ao final do estudo foi de 54,29 mg de amitriptilina e de 46,87 mg de imipramina. RESULTADOS: A análise das variáveis eletrocardiográficas após o uso dos ADT apresentou a amitriptilina com aumento na frequência cardíaca transitoriamente no gênero feminino (p = 0,049) e a duração do QRS nos pacientes com idade igual ou maior que 60 anos e nos cardiopatas na segunda avaliação (p = 0,01). Nos pacientes que receberam amitriptilina, doses de 75 mg, o intervalo QTc foi maior quando comparado com doses de 25 mg (p = 0,0044). O aumento desses parâmetros evidenciou o efeito da amitriptilina sobre a condução cardíaca; no entanto, não houve comprometimento clínico, pois os valores permaneceram dentro dos limites de normalidade (QRS < 110ms e QTc < 470ms). CONCLUSÕES: O uso clínico dos ADT em dores crônicas mostrou-se seguro e eficaz, não apresentando distúrbio da condução cardíaca com repercussão clínica.

Palavras-chave

DOR, Crônica, DROGAS, EXAMES COMPLEMENTARES

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are widely used as analgesics in chronic lumbar pain and neuropathic pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic changes in patients with chronic pain treated with amitriptyline or imipramine. METHODS: Forty patients, ages 26 to 81 years (57.27 ± 13.65 years) of both genders (female 19, male 21), with neuropathic syndromes (lumbosciatalgia, postlaminectomy syndromes, and post-herpetic neuritis, among others) participated in this study; 60% had cardiovascular diseases; 30% had changes in the ECG (RBBB, LBBB, first-degree AVB, LAHB, or PVCs). Three ECGs were done in each patient: one ECG was done before beginning treatment, and 30 and 60 days after beginning treatment evaluating PR, QRS, QT, QTc, DQT, DQTc, and HR. Thirty-two patients were on amitriptyline and eight on imipramine. The mean dose at the end of the study was 54.29 mg of amitriptyline and 46.87 mg of imipramine. RESULTS: Analysis of electrocardiographic parameters after the use of TCAs showed that amitriptyline caused a transitory increase in heart rate in females (p = 0.049), and the duration of the QRS in patients 60 years or older and patients with cardiopathies (p = 0.01). In patients who received 75 mg of amitriptyline, the QTc interval was greater when compared to that of patients who received 25 mg of the drug (p = 0.0044). The increase in those parameters demonstrated the effects of amitriptyline on cardiac conduction; however, clinical compromise was not seen, since they remained within normal limits (QRS < 110 msec and QTc < 470 msec). CONCLUSIONS: The chronic use of TACs proved to be safe and effective, and it did not show changes in cardiac conduction with clinical repercussion.

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