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Abstract Purpose: The Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave has emerged as a new electrocardiographic marker of increased transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization. We aimed to determine the presence of cardiac conduction system disorders in patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who have altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave. Methods: The 67 patients with SAH were divided into two groups. Those with prolonged (≥ 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 21 (31%) patients were in the study group. Those with normal (< 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 46 (69%) patients were in the control group. Alteration of ventricular repolarization manifested as a prolongation of the Tpeak-Tend interval was detected by computerized electrocardiographic analysis tools. Results: The median value of QRS complex duration was significantly wider in the study group as compared to the control group (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater incidence of left anterior hemiblock in the study group (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). The median value of the QTc interval was significantly greater in the study group (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). There was a significantly greater incidence of patients with prolonged QTc interval in the study group (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). The median value of the Tpeak-Tend interval was significantly greater in the study group (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), as well as, the Tpeak-Tend/QTc ratio in the study group (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significantly greater ventricular repolarization disorders and abnormalities of the cardiac conduction system in SAH patients who possess altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave.
Resumen Objetivo: El intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T es un marcador electrocardiográfico de la dispersión transmural aumentada de la repolarización ventricular. Investigamos la presencia de trastornos del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con hipertensión arterial sistémica (HA) que poseen alterado el intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T. Métodos: Los 67 pacientes con HA fueron divididos en dos grupos. Aquellos con intervalos de Tpico-Tfinal prolongados (≥ 77 ms), 21 (31%) pacientes (grupo de estudio). Aquellos con intervalos normales (< 77 ms) Tpico-Tfinal, 46 (69%) pacientes (grupo control). Los intervalos Tpico-Tfinal fueron medidos por herramientas de análisis electrocardiográfico computarizado. Resultados: El valor mediano de la duración del complejo QRS fue significativamente más amplio en el grupo de estudio (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de hemibloqueo anterior izquierdo en el grupo de estudio (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). El valor mediano del intervalo QTc fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de pacientes con intervalo QTc prolongado en el grupo de estudio (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). El valor mediano del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), así como el cociente Tpico-Tfinal/QTc (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). Conclusión: Existe una alteración de la repolarización ventricular significativamente mayor y anomalías del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con HA que poseen alteración del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T.
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Objective:To evaluate the correlation between endemic arsenic poisoning and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG).Methods:PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang data, VIP and other databases were used for literature retrieval, and epidemiological literatures related to abnormal ECG of endemic arsenic poisoning published in domestic and abroad were included in the study. The time limit was from the establishment of the database to December 1, 2020. RevMan 5.3 was used for Meta-analysis of binary variables. Random effect model was selected according to the results of heterogeneity, and odds ratio ( OR) was used as the effect index. Characteristic changes were found by subgroup analysis. Bias was published by funnel plot. Results:Nine articles were included in this Meta-analysis, with 6 articles in Chinese and 3 articles in English, respectively. The abnormal ECG changes included QTc prolongation, ST-T segment change, left axis deviation and arrhythmia. Finally, 1 975 cases were included in the exposure group, including 575 cases of abnormal ECG; 750 cases of control group, including 145 cases of abnormal ECG. Meta-analysis showed that the combined OR value [95% confidence interval ( CI)] of abnormal ECG changes was 4.41 (2.83 - 6.87), with statistical significance between the two groups ( Z = 6.56, P < 0.05); the results of subgroup analysis showed that the combined OR values (95% CI) of QTc prolongation, ST-T segment change, left axis deviation and arrhythmia were 12.30 (5.91 - 25.59), 2.74 (1.39 - 5.41), 2.93 (0.89 - 9.62) and 4.13 (2.38 - 7.17), respectively. Conclusions:Endemic arsenic poisoning may cause abnormal ECG. Prolongation of QTc caused by arsenic exposure may be the characteristic change of abnormal ECG.
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Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease with life-threatening complications and morbidity. The 12 lead ECG, an easily available investigation, when studied in detail can give a lot of information and predict various microvascular and macrovascular complications apart from coronary artery disease.Methods: A random cross sectional study involving 100 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in the age group of 18-80 years were included in study after applying various inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were subjected to ECG, 2D echocardiography and laboratory tests. Data were collected and analysed.Results: Arrythmia was not detected in any patient. A resting tachycardia (HR >100) in 30 patients correlated with Prolonged QTc (>440 miliseconds) (p=0.04). QRS amplitude was reduced in 26 patients. Prolonged QTc also correlated with presence of diabetic complications, retinopathy of NPDR type and nephropathy (p=0.004). Hence about 30% of the study group did show signs of early diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy and cardiomyopathy.Conclusions: The statistically significant utility of electrocardiogram in predicting various complications of diabetes apart from coronary artery disease.
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Escitalopram, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant which is the (S)-enantiomer of citalopram, is worldwide used for the treatment of depressive and anxious disorders in clinical practice, however, recent data have indicated that high therapeutic escitalopram doses may cause the potential of QTc prolongation effect, which is a predisposing factor for arrhythmia. Nevertheless, in March 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety bulletin advising the daily dosage of escitalopram should be restricted to a maximum of 20 mg daily in healthy adults and 10 mg maximum in high risk patients (eg>60 years of age). In this review, we aimed to investigate what factors can affect and how escitalopram gives rise to QTc prolongation.
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Resumen ANTECEDENTES La infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) incrementa la prevalencia de prolongación del intervalo QT corregido (QTc), lo que es un factor independiente de eventos de enfermedad cardiovascular en esta población. En la bibliografía mundial se asocia este cambio con la administración de los antirretrovirales inhibidores de proteasa y efavirenz. Sin embargo, no se conocen datos de estos cambios en la población mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO Estudio prospectivo observacional en el que se seleccionaron expedientes de marzo de 2015 a mayo de 2016 de la consulta externa del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER); se dividieron en dos grupos: sin tratamiento, por reciente diagnóstico, y con tratamiento antirretroviral. Se registraron datos clínicos, tratamiento farmacológico, electrocardiograma y química sanguínea. RESULTADOS No se encontraron diferencias entre ambos grupos respecto a edad ni electrólitos séricos. Tampoco se encontró relación entre la prolongación del QTc con efavirenz o los inhibidores de proteasa. Raltegravir disminuyó la duración del QTc (p = 0.001) mientras que la coinfección por molusco contagioso se asoció con prolongación del QTc (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIÓN En nuestro estudio no logramos demostrar en población mexicana relación de la prolongación del QTc con los antirretrovirales de primera ni segunda línea. Se requieren más estudios para determinar la importancia clínica del efecto de raltegravir y molusco contagioso en el QTc.
Abstract BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the prevalence of QTc prolongation (QTc), which is an independent factor of cardiovascular disease events in this population. In the world literature this change is associated with the use of the protease inhibitors and efavirenz antiretrovirals. However, no data are available on these changes in the Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHOD A prospective observational study was done selecting records from March 2015 to May 2016 of the external consultation of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), Mexico City; they were divided into two groups, those without treatment, because recent diagnosis, and with antiretroviral treatment. We recorded clinical data, pharmacological treatment, electrocardiogram and blood chemistry. RESULTS We found no differences between the two groups regarding age or serum electrolytes. We found no association between QTc prolongation and efavirenz or protease inhibitors. Raltegravir decreased QTc duration (p = 0.001) while molluscum contagiosum coinfection was associated with QTc prolongation (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION In our study, we failed to demonstrate in Mexican population association of QTc prolongation with first- and second-line antiretrovirals. More studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of the effect of raltegravir and molluscum contagiosum on QTc.
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Bipolar disorder is a recurrent chronic condition and patients usually continue long-term medication from young age to prevent the recurrence of mood episodes. Antipsychotics play an important role in acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, even when patients experience no psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotics are also used in monotherapy and combination therapy involving mood stabilizers such as lithium or valproate. However, limited antipsychotics are currently approved by the US Food & Drug Administration ; 10 kinds of antipsychotics were approved for manic or mixed episodes, 3 for bipolar depression, and 5 for maintenance therapy. Before and after the use of antipsychotics, psychiatrists should carefully monitor baseline weight, pulse, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose or HbA1c, blood lipid profile, and electrocardiogram to evaluate QTc prolongation. During manic episodes or mixed features, antipsychotics rapidly control agitation, aggression, and impulsivity. Repetitive injections of typical antipsychotics are not implemented in bipolar patients as this practice is not evidence-based. However, long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotics are approved and feature support on maintenance therapy for bipolar patients. Although recent studies have shown the benefits of aripiprazole and olanzapine on rapid-cycling bipolar patients, few studies support the effectiveness of antipsychotics in suicide prevention. Moreover, while there is extensive evidence on the effectiveness of lithium in suicide or self-harm prevention. In conclusion, antipsychotics, especially aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone, are effective to manage bipolar disorder in clinical settings. But weight gain and cardiac conductance should be carefully monitored before and during the use of antipsychotics.
Subject(s)
Humans , Aggression , Antipsychotic Agents , Aripiprazole , Bipolar Disorder , Blood Glucose , Blood Pressure , Depression , Dihydroergotamine , Electrocardiography , Fasting , Impulsive Behavior , Lithium , Psychiatry , Quetiapine Fumarate , Recurrence , Risperidone , Suicide , Valproic Acid , Weight GainABSTRACT
Azithromycin is widely prescribed for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Incidence of corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation and cardiac arrest has not been reported after concomitant administration of azithromycin and diltiazem. Here we present a 69-year-old female patient who developed profound QTc prolongation and cardiac arrest after three days of concomitant administration of azithromycin and diltiazem. The patient was successfully resuscitated, intravenous magnesium was given and azithromycin therapy was discontinued. The QTc interval dropped to 412 ms 24 hours after azithromycin discontinuation. One week later, the patient was discharged home after full recovery. This case illustrates a possible drug interaction between azithromycin and P-glycoprotein inhibitor drugs and/or drugs having an effect on cardiac repolarization.
ABSTRACT
Mujer de 55 años trasladada al hospital luego de recuperarse de un episodio presincopal. El electrocardiograma mostró bradicardia sinusal con intervalo QT corregido de 840 mseg. Pocos minutos después la paciente presenta episodio de taquicardia ventricular polimórfica y posterior paro cardiorrespiratorio que requirió maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar avanzada que fueron efectivas. A la semana presentó cefalea intensa y convulsiones con movimientos de descerebración. La tomografía axial computarizada de cerebro mostró hemorragia subaracnoidea con hipertensión intracraneal que requirió craniectomía descompresiva. Durante la internación todos los electrocardiogramas evidenciaron el QT corregido prolongado, pero la paciente no presentó un nuevo evento arrítmico. La paciente evolucionó desfavorablemente requiriendo fármacos vasoactivos en dosis máximas. Falleció a los 13 días de su admisión.
A 55-yr-old woman was taken to the hospital after recovering from a presyncopal episode. The electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia with QTc interval of 840 msec. Few minutes later, the patient developed a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and subsequent cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A week later she presented with severe headache, seizures and decerebrate movements. Cranial computed tomography scan showed subarachnoid hemorrhage with intracranial hypertension requiring decompressive craniectomy. On the follow- up the electrocardiograms always showed prolonged QTc interval, without any new arrhythmic event. The patient's clinical course was unfavorable and required maximum dose of vasoactive drugs. She died 13 days after admission.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Electrocardiography , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/complications , Tachycardia, Ventricular/etiology , Tachycardia, Ventricular/physiopathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The knowledge about the effects of the nebulized B2-agonist on serum potassium is limited. We aimed to assess the possible hypokalemia following nebulization of salbutamol. METHOD: Seven patients(mean age 60 +- 7.1years) with acute exacerbated asthma were treated with salbutamol nebulization(5mg nebulization at 1 hour interval, 3 times) without concomitant use of steroid or other bronchodilator such as theophylline. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in FEV1, from 46.41+-25.91% at baseline to 62.86+-22.38% at 3 hours after treatment. Serum potassium concentration was significantly decreased, from 3.93+-0.58mEq/L at baseline to 3.41+-0.62mEq/L and 3.46+-0.53mEq/L at 1 hour and 3 hours after third nebulization, repectively. There was a significant prolongation of the QTc interval in EKG from 454.36+-27.07msec at baseline to 479.41+-35.64msec and 505.09+-58. 69msec at 1 hour and 3 hours after third nebulization, respectively. Serum salbutamol concentration was 4.18+-3.39ng/ml at baseline, and increased to 7.69+-6.94ng/ml and 9.84+10.34ng/ ml at 1 hour and 3 hours after treatment, respectively. Magnitude of the hypokalemia and the degree of prolongation of the electrocardiographic QTc interval were significantly correlated with the level of serum salbutamol concenturation. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that cardiac complication could develop due to hypokalemia during repeated salbutamol nebulization. Caution should be done in monitoring of serum potassium concentration when using nebulized salbutamol repeatedly for the treatment of acute exacerbated bronchial asthma.
Subject(s)
Albuterol , Asthma , Electrocardiography , Hypokalemia , Potassium , TheophyllineABSTRACT
A 52-year-old women, suffering from generalized pruritus due to intrahepatic and common hepatic duct stones, was treated with astemizole, 30mg daily. Sixty one days later, convulsions and syncope developed suddenly during hospitalization. She had no history of arrhythmia, heart disease, electrolytes imbalance, or CNS disorders. As another case, a 44-year-old man suffering from pruritus due to liver cirrhosis, was treated with astemizole, 30mg daily. Thirty two days later, palpitations and syncope also developed suddenly during hospitalization. He was diagnosed liver cirrhosis, 3 years ago and there was no history of arrhythmia, heart disease, electrolytes imbalance, or CNS disorders. Administration of astemizole was stopped immediately. The laboratory investigations revealed the normal range of serum potassium, calcium and magnesium in both cases. The ECG finding showed the prolongation of QTc interval, frequent VPCs and intermittent polymorphic drugs. On 1st and 3rd day, after discontinue of astemisole, the ECG abnormalities disappeard. It is suggested that astemizole overdose can induce prolongation of QTc interval and torsade de pointes, especially in the patient with liver disease.