title: QTc dispersion on the baseline ECG predicts arrhythmias during electroconvulsive therapy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. rasmussen.keith@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Keith G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: W Mike
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Hooten
authors.forename: M Leann
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Dodd
authors.forename: Debra A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ryan
mesh_terms: 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