New research presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual scientific conference (ACR Convergence 2020) demonstrates that people with lupus do not experience heart issues as a result of being treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The latest findings further provide evidence-based reassurance that HCQ is safe to use in the lupus population, including in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The study assessed 194 people with lupus, 90 of whom had at least one electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure their electrical signals of their hearts. There were no significant differences in EKG results between the people treated with HCQ and those not on HCQ, including the subset of study participants with CKD. Additionally, none of the patients included in the study had tachycardia (abnormally rapid heart rate) or Torsades de pointes (Tdp), a type of heart rhythm disturbance.

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