QTc dispersion on the baseline ECG predicts arrhythmias during electroconvulsive therapy.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective in this study was to test the hypothesis that prolonged QTc dispersion predisposes to arrhythmias in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).


RESULTS
We measured QTc dispersion on ECT patients' baseline ECG and also measured PVCs and PACs during and for two minutes after ECT seizures. Using Poisson regression analysis, we found that baseline QTc dispersion was positively associated with ictal and post ictal PVCs and with post ictal PACs.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that QTc dispersion appears to be a valid predictor of arrhythmias.
Rasmussen
Keith G
KG
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. rasmussen.keith@mayo.edu
Hooten
W Mike
WM
Dodd
M Leann
ML
Ryan
Debra A
DA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012107:Research Design; D012640:Seizures / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome