title: Prolonged androgenic anabolic steroid (AAS) induced QT interval shortening: a suitable screening tool?
abstract: Androgenic anabolic steroid (AAS) abuse is associated with changes in cardiac electrophysiology. Recently heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc) has been suggested as a method of screening for AAS use in athletes despite conflicting reports. This study aimed to further investigate the effect of AAS on QTc in a cohort of long-term AAS users in whom the affects may be more pronounced. Using a cross-sectional cohort design with AAS using resistance trained athletes (AS n = 15) and a group of non-AAS using resistance trained, age matched controls (C n = 15). AS had a long history of AAS use (18 ± 2 yrs) and AS and C both had >19 years of resistance training. Participants underwent a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), from which, the QTc interval was calculated using the Bazett formula. The main outcome measure was significant differences in mean corrected QTc between groups. A secondary outcome was to calculate a QTc that best differentiated between C and AS. Results indicated that QTc was shorter in AS than in C (382.0 ± 21.01 ms versus 409 ± 18.77 ms for AS and C respectively p < 0.001). Chi squared analyses revealed a greater incidence of QTc < 380 ms in AS versus C p < 0.01, specificity 93% sensitivity 60%). In conclusion these results supports previous findings that AAS use causes a reduction in QTc, however, the specificity and sensitivity in our sample is lower than reported previously and precludes use as a screening tool.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland, ML3 0BJ, UK.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sculthorpe
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sport and Physical Activity Research, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, MK41 9EA, UK.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland, ML3 0BJ, UK.
authors.forename: Fergal M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Grace
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D056352:Athletes; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055070:Resistance Training; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents; D000728:Androgens
keywords: doping; electrophysiology; screening