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).

Methods and 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.

Key Words:

• electroconvulsive therapy
• QTc dispersion
• arrhythmias