Association between QTc-interval prolongation and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia in critically ill patients

Abstract

Background Prolongation of the QT interval is associated with lethal arrhythmias. Early identification of QT/QTc prolongation followed by appropriate clinical interventions can avert this potentially lethal arrhythmia. Aim of the study To assess the association between QTc-interval prolongation and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia in critically ill patients. Research design A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. Setting The study was conducted in the Critical Care Department, Al-Manial University Hospital, Cairo University. Patients and methods A purposive sample consisted of 270 adult patients. Tools of data collection An assessment sheet consists of two parts: part I: patients’ demographic and medical data, and part II: QT-interval monitoring sheet. Results The mean age of the study sample was 60.16±16.05, and 53.3% were males. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in patients’ QTc mean through five observations (f=19.086; P≤0.001). Moreover, there was no significant statistical difference in patients’ QT average means through five observations by their laboratory investigations and their diagnosis (P>0.05, P=0.133), respectively. Conclusion The highest prolongation of QTc was in torsade de pointes, and the lowest QTc prolongation was in atrial fibrillation. Recommendation Nursing assessment of critically ill patients in association with QTc calculation for early detection of lethal cardiac arrhythmia.