QT correction methods in children and adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Accurate determination of the QTc interval has become increasingly important in the assessment of a drug's ability to prolong cardiac repolarization. Previous work suggests the most appropriate correction formula for adults is QTc=QT/RR0.40, but little on correction methods for children and adolescents has been published.


RESULTS
In this study, ECG data were obtained from a meta-analysis of seven clinical trials for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involving 2,288 children and adolescents. The most appropriate formula for children and adolescents included in this database was found to be QTc=QT/RR0.38. Adjustments of the correction factor specifically for males and females of different ages also are reported.


CONCLUSIONS
QT correction methods developed for adults do not apply to children. As accurate QTc determination plays a larger role in assessing a drug's potential to retard repolarization, use of age- and gender-specific correction formulas becomes more important.
Wernicke
Joachim F
JF
Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, USA. jfwernicke@lily.com
Faries
Douglas
D
Breitung
Rebecca
R
Girod
Donald
D
D000465:Algorithms; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants