Long QT syndrome type 2 – can alarm clock really kill? (RCD code: V-1A.2)

Abstract

This paper’s aim was to critically analyze existing research supporting statement found in many review articles that auditory stimuli may specifically and exclusively trigger cardiac events in patients with type 2 of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS2). By the use of thorough systematic literature search relevant papers were gathered and analyzed. As a result, 8 publications were included in this analysis: 5 case-series studies, 2 single case reports and 1 expert opinion. 5 of the studies proved that auditory stimuli often precede cardiac events in patients with many types of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). None of the included studies concerned auditory stimulus as an exclusive trigger of cardiac events in LQTS2 patients (it was most often combined with exercise and/or sleep, or performed on groups with small part of LQTS2 patients). There is lack of strong evidence that auditory stimuli specifically and exclusively trigger cardiac events in patients with LQTS2. However, high occurrence of cardiac events shortly after being awoken from sleep by auditory stimuli and nocturnal deaths in families of patients with LQTS2 may provide indirect support. Due to high risk associated with auditory stimuli for patients with all types of LQTS it is still advisable for them to remove loud and noisy equipment from their close environment. JRCD 2014; 1 (7): 4–6