The Association Between QTc-Interval and Blood Glucose with Plasma Acetylcholinesterase in Organophosphate (OP)-Poisoned Patients

Abstract

Background: Organophosphate (OP) poisoning ranks among the leading causes of poisoning, morbidity, and mortality in developing countries due to its relatively high prevalence and potentially grave outcomes. Consequently, it is crucial to identify an easily accessible and cost-effective marker that can be utilized across healthcare facilities. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the QTc interval and blood glucose levels with serum cholinesterase levels in patients poisoned by organophosphates. Methods: The sample consisted of all patients admitted with OP poisoning to a Northwest Poisoning Center in Iran during 2016 and 2017. Diagnosis of OP poisoning was confirmed through patient history, physical examination, or the measurement of acetylcholinesterase levels. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results: Out of 238 patients, 104 remained after applying exclusion criteria and were included in the study. The mean age of these patients was 30.81 ± 15.04 years. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between average blood glucose and serum cholinesterase levels (P = 0.046, Pearson Correlation = -0.196). Furthermore, patients with abnormal QTc intervals exhibited significantly lower serum cholinesterase levels (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings indicate a significant association between QTc intervals and blood glucose levels with serum cholinesterase levels. Serum cholinesterase levels decreased with an increase in QTc intervals and blood glucose levels. Specifically, patients with a QTc interval greater than 440 milliseconds or random blood glucose levels above 200 milligrams per deciliter showed significantly lower serum cholinesterase levels.