title: Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus have a sixfold greater risk for prolonged QTc interval.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  QT-wave abnormalities have been detected in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Prolongation of the heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc) has been associated with cardiovascular mortality. We evaluated how often QT/QTc abnormalities are present in youth with T1DM and if they are associated with disease parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-two T1DM youngsters and equal age- and gender-matched controls were studied. Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data were determined. QT was measured on a 12-lead resting electrocardiogram. QTc was calculated using Bazett's formula.
  
  
  RESULTS
  T1DM patients had significantly longer QT/QTc than controls, but significance disappeared after adjustment for confounders. Abnormally prolonged QTc≥440 ms was observed six times more frequently in those with T1DM. QT was correlated with age, age at disease onset, but not with glycated hemoglobin or diabetes duration; QTc was only correlated with pubertal stage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  T1DM youths have a sixfold increased risk for QT/QTc prolongation and should have regular follow-up for cardiac autonomic dysfunction.
authors.forename: Assimina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galli-Tsinopoulou
authors.forename: Aikaterini
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chatzidimitriou
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kyrgios
authors.forename: Israel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rousso
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Varlamis
authors.forename: Kyriaki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karavanaki
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult