QTc interval prolongation in asymptomatic HIV – infected patients treated and untreated with antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Aim: QTc interval prolongation has been found in HIV-infected patients. There are contradictory reports about the effects of antiretroviral drugs on QT interval duration. The aim of the study was to assess if the prolongation of the QTc interval depends on the antiretroviral treatment and other risk factors related to HIV infection. Material/Methods: 283 adult HIV-infected patients treated in HIV Outpatient Clinic in Warsaw were enrolled in the prospective, single-centre study. Factors related to ART and HIV infection were collected. Electrocardiograms were performed for each patient and QTc interval duration was measured and corrected using Bazett’s heart rate formula. Results: Prolonged QTc interval was identified in 4.9 % HIV-infected patients (median age 34.5 years, 85% male, 89% HIV RNA<50 copies/mL). The average length of QTc interval in ART HIV(+) patients was 403 ms, in untreated HIV(+) subjects – 398ms and in the control group of healthy individuals – 400ms. ART regimen included PI in 47.4% cases, NNRTI in 24.1% and INI in 28.5% patients. The longest QTc interval was found in patients treated with the PI scheme – 408 ms, shorter with INI – 399ms and with NNRTI – 397ms. A multivariable analysis revealed that only older age and female gender were significantly associated with QTc prolongation. Conclusions: In the group of young, asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with good immunovirological control, the prevalence of QTc prolongation was low – only 4.9% of subjects. ARV treatment seem to have no significant influence on the QTc interval duration.