Incidence and outcomes of long QTc in acute medical admissions.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Prolonged QT interval on electrocardiogram (ECG) increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. Patients admitted to acute medical units (AMU) may be at risk of QT prolongation from multiple, recognised risk factors. Few data exist regarding incidence or outcomes of QT prolongation in acute general medical admissions. The aims were to determine the incidence of Bazett's-corrected QT (QTc) prolongation upon admission to AMU; the relationship between QTc and inpatient mortality, length of stay and readmission; proportion with prolonged QTc subsequently administered QT interval-prolonging drugs.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study of 1000 consecutive patients admitted to an AMU in a large urban hospital.

Exclusion criteria

age <18 years, ventricular pacing, po

SUBMITTER: Mahmud R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6220840 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature