The effects of zoledronic acid on ECG: a prospective study on patients with bone metastatic cancer

INTRODUCTION: There are controversial results in the risk of atrial fibrillation as well as arrhythmogenic potential of bis-phosphonates. METHOD: 37 patients and 40 healthy controls were evaluated prospectively with regard to the cardiac side effects related to the use of zoledronic acid (ZA) and its effects on electrocardiography (ECG) parameters. RESULT: As the basal ECG results of the patients diagnosed with cancer compared with the control group, it was determined that QT maximum was significantly lower, QT minimum was significantly higher. However; it was determined that QT disp, P max, P min, and P disp values were not significantly different. There was no statistically significant difference in P max, P min, P disp, QT max, QT min, QT disp values of the ECG parameters measured from cancer patients, before and 60 minutes after ZA therapy. CONCLUSION: There were no significant alterations in ECG in the acute period, indicated that ZA had no arrhythmia potential in the early period in patients with no underlying cardiac disease. However: patients receiving ZA should be monitored more closely because of the risk of arrhythmia which may ensue due to hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, or other chemotherapeutics.