Background: Glucocorticoids are known to cause several side-effects. This retrospective study addresses the relation of glucocorticoid therapy and heart rate. Patient charts of 61 children, treated with (the equivalent of) 1 to 5 mg/kg/d prednisone, were analyzed.
Observations: Heart rate decreased by 31 (95% CI=23-39) beats/min 72 hours after start treatment, and 63.9% of the children developed at least once a pulse rate <2.5th percentile for age during the first 88 hours after start of treatment. None of the children developed symptoms of reduced cardiac output.
Conclusion: A reduction in heart rate sometimes leading to sinus bradycardia may be a common early side-effect of glucocorticoid treatment in children.