Transient bradycardia in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Aim: To determine the features and clinical course of bradycardia in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Materials and methods: Between May 2002 and September 2010, a total of 380 patients with CCHF were followed. All patients who had transient bradycardia during this period were included in the study. Results: A total of 14 patients had an episode of bradycardia. All patients were in sinus rhythm. Three patients had clinical symptoms of bradycardia; atropine was administered to them. In the other patients, bradycardia resolved spontaneously. No patient had underlying conditions for bradycardia. Bradycardia appeared 7.0 +/- 1.7 days after the first clinical symptoms, continued for 5.1 +/- 1.6 days, and resolved without any additional problems. Conclusion: Transient sinus bradycardia is a rare and benign clinical manifestation of CCHF. In many cases, there is no need for intervention.