QT dispersion in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the impact of disease activity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although autopsy studies have documented that the heart is affected in most SLE patients, clinical manifestations occur in less than 10%. QT dispersion is a new parameter that can be used to assess homogeneity of cardiac repolarization and autonomic function. We compared the increase in QT dispersion in SLE patients with high disease activity and mild or moderate disease activity.

Methods and results

One hundred twenty-four patients with SLE were enrolled in the study. Complete history and physical exam, ECG, echocardiography, exercise test and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) were recorded. Twenty patients were excluded on the basis of our exclusion criteria

SUBMITTER: Kojuri J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3305358 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature