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01-10-2013 | Original Article

QTc-Prolongation in Posterior Circulation Stroke

Authors: Nils Henninger, Diogo C. Haussen, Nikolaos Kakouros, Magdy Selim, D. Eric Searls, Sandeep Kumar, Gottfried Schlaug, Louis R. Caplan

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Background and Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between infarct location and QTc-prolongation in patients with posterior circulation strokes.

Methods

Admission electrocardiograms (ECG) of 131 patients among a prospective sample of 407 consecutive adult patients in the New England Medical Center Posterior Circulation Registry were retrospectively analyzed. The QT interval (ms) was measured and corrected using Bazett’s formula (QTc_Bazett) as well as linear regression functions (QTc_Linear). QTc_Bazett > 440 ms and QTc_Linear ≥ 450 ms for men (≥460 ms for women) were considered prolonged. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of the QTc.

Results

Overall, 34 % of patients had a prolonged QTc_Bazett and 7 % had a prolonged QTc_Linear noted on the admission ECG. There was a significant association between temporal lobe infarction and QTc_Bazett and QTc_Linear (p < 0.001 for both) in multivariable linear regression analyses adjusting for demographics, ECG parameters, and preadmission medication use. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, temporal lobe infarction emerged as an independent predictor of prolonged QTc_Bazett (p = 0.009) and QTc_Linear (p = 0.008), respectively. Sensitivity analyses excluding patients with transient ischemic attack yielded similar results. Exploratory analyses indicated that patients with temporal lobe infarction had worse functional 30-day outcomes in multivariable logistic regression (p = 0.022). However, there was no significant association between QTc and 30-day functional outcome.

Conclusions

QTc-prolongation is common after posterior circulation stroke and associated with temporal lobe infarction. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to examine potential long-term consequences.

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Title: QTc-Prolongation in Posterior Circulation Stroke
Authors: Nils Henninger
Diogo C. Haussen
Nikolaos Kakouros
Magdy Selim
D. Eric Searls
Sandeep Kumar
Gottfried Schlaug
Louis R. Caplan
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Neurocritical Care / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-013-9873-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

QTc-Prolongation in Posterior Circulation Stroke

Abstract

Background and Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background and Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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