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Treatment success after rhinosurgery: an evaluation of subjective and objective parameters. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 279:205-211. [PMID: 33813628 PMCID: PMC8738622 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-06787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Septal deviation and nose deformities are widely prevalent. As a consequence, patients may complain about difficulties in nasal breathing leading to a perception of diminished disease-specific quality of life. In a prospective randomized trial, we aimed to analyse the outcome of septoplasty (SPL) and septorhinoplasty (SRP) on patient satisfaction. Methods Patients with functional indication for SPL (n = 19) or SRP (n = 54) were included and randomized for additional turbinoplasty. Preoperative clinical symptoms were collected with SNOT-20 GAV (Sinu-nasal outcome test-20—German adapted version) and NOSE© (nasal obstruction symptom evaluation) questionnaires. The final evaluation of treatment success was performed 9 months after surgery with SNOT-20 GAV, NOSE© and a self-established feedback questionnaire. Nasal breathing and obstruction were objectively measured with rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry [minimum cross-sectional area 2 (MCA2)]. Results Minimum cross-sectional area 2 was statistically improved compared to the pre-treatment value in SPL (p = 0.0004) and SRP (p = 0.0001). Regarding MCA2 values of matched patient groups, similar findings were detected (SPL: p = 0.0013, SRP: p < 0.0001). Sinu-nasal outcome test-20 GAV and NOSE© scores were significantly reduced after both surgical procedures (NOSE©: SPL: p < 0.0001, SRP: p < 0.0001; SNOT-20 GAV: SPL: p = 0.0068, SRP: p < 0.0001). Evaluation of patient satisfaction in a self-established feedback questionnaire revealed a motivation of 81% of patients to redo the surgery (SPL 13/16, SRP 34/42) and a notably general satisfaction of 86% for SPL and 80% for SRP. Conclusion Rhinosurgery leads to quantitative better nasal breathing and increased disease-specific satisfaction. However, this study implies the importance of the right selection of patients and the correct indication of the surgical technique.
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Circadian pattern of short-term variability of the QT-interval in primary prevention ICD patients - EU-CERT-ICD methodological pilot study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183199. [PMID: 28827816 PMCID: PMC5565185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Short-term variability of the QT-interval (STV-QT) was shown to be associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed at investigating (a) whether STV-QT exhibits circadian pattern, and (b) whether such pattern differs between patients with high and low arrhythmia risk. Methods As part of the ongoing EU-CERT-ICD study, 24h high resolution digital ambulatory 12-lead Holter recordings are collected prior to ICD implantation for primary prophylactic indication. Presently available patients were categorized based on their arrhythmia score (AS), a custom-made weighted score of the number of arrhythmic events on the recording. STV-QT was calculated every hour in 30 patients of which 15 and 15 patients had a high and a low AS, respectively. Results The overall dynamicity of STV-QT showed high intra- and inter-individual variability with different circadian patterns associated with low and high AS. High AS patients showed a prominent peak both at 08:00 and 18:00. At these times, STV-QT was significantly higher in the high AS patients compared to the low AS patients (1.22ms±0.55ms vs 0.60ms±0.24ms at 08:00 and 1.12ms±0.39ms vs 0.64ms±0.29ms at 18:00, both p < 0.01). Conclusion In patients with high AS, STV-QT peaks in the early morning and late afternoon. This potentially reflects increased arrhythmia risk at these times. Prospective STV-QT determination at these times might thus be more sensitive to identify patients at high risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
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Piccirillo G, Moscucci F, Fiorucci C, Di Iorio C, Mastropietri F, Magrì D. Time- and frequency-domain analysis of beat to beat P-wave duration, PR interval and RR interval can predict asystole as form of syncope during head-up tilt. Physiol Meas 2016; 37:1910-1924. [PMID: 27681167 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/37/11/1910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
To seek possible differences in short-period temporal RR interval, P-wave and PR interval dispersion and spectral coherence in patients with a head-up tilt test positive for vasovagal syncope with or without prolonged asystole, severe symptoms and at high risk of trauma. We retrospectively reviewed 5 min ECG and blood pressure recordings obtained at baseline, at rest and during head-up tilt in 40 patients diagnosed as having recurrent vasovagal syncope confirmed at a head-up tilt test. We analysed autoregressive spectral power for all the ECG-derived variables, focusing on temporal P-wave and PR interval dispersion indexes as well as their spectral coherence calculated on the same 5 min recordings at rest and during tilt. ECG recordings obtained during tilt before syncope showed significantly lower P → PR spectral coherence and higher RR standard deviations in patients with tilt-induced asystole than in those without (0.567 ± 0.097 versus 0.670 ± 0.127, p: 0.010 and 84 ± 36 versus 46 ± 22 ms2, p < 0.0001). Differences in the RR standard deviations persisted also on the last hundred beats (-100) (113 ± 54 versus 34 ± 17 ms2, p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis identified a significantly negative association between the maximum RR intervals and P → PR coherence at rest (β: -0.3, p < 0.05) and positive association with RR-100 standard deviation during tilt-induced syncope (β: 0.621, p < 0.001). P → PR spectral coherence could be used to assess the risk of prolonged asystole in patients with tilt-induced vasovagal syncope as well as as a possible surrogate for tilt-testing during these patients' follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Piccirillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Respiratorie, Nefrologiche, Anestesiologiche e Geriatriche, Policlinico Umberto I, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Baumert M, Porta A, Vos MA, Malik M, Couderc JP, Laguna P, Piccirillo G, Smith GL, Tereshchenko LG, Volders PGA. QT interval variability in body surface ECG: measurement, physiological basis, and clinical value: position statement and consensus guidance endorsed by the European Heart Rhythm Association jointly with the ESC Working Group on Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology. Europace 2016; 18:925-44. [PMID: 26823389 PMCID: PMC4905605 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This consensus guideline discusses the electrocardiographic phenomenon of beat-to-beat QT interval variability (QTV) on surface electrocardiograms. The text covers measurement principles, physiological basis, and clinical value of QTV. Technical considerations include QT interval measurement and the relation between QTV and heart rate variability. Research frontiers of QTV include understanding of QTV physiology, systematic evaluation of the link between QTV and direct measures of neural activity, modelling of the QTV dependence on the variability of other physiological variables, distinction between QTV and general T wave shape variability, and assessing of the QTV utility for guiding therapy. Increased QTV appears to be a risk marker of arrhythmic and cardiovascular death. It remains to be established whether it can guide therapy alone or in combination with other risk factors. QT interval variability has a possible role in non-invasive assessment of tonic sympathetic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Baumert
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alberto Porta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Marc A Vos
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marek Malik
- St Paul's Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of London, and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, UK
| | - Jean-Philippe Couderc
- Heart Research Follow-Up Program, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Pablo Laguna
- Zaragoza University and CIBER-BBN, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Piccirillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Respiratorie, Nefrologiche, Anestesiologiche e Geriatriche, Università 'La Sapienza' Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Godfrey L Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Larisa G Tereshchenko
- Oregon Health and Science University, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paul G A Volders
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Fister M, Mikuz U, Starc V, Vrtovec B, Haddad F. Heart rate-guided, but not dose-guided titration of beta blockers stabilizes ventricular repolarization in patients with chronic heart failure. J Electrocardiol 2016; 49:579-86. [PMID: 26875428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We compared the effects of heart rate-guided and dose-guided beta-blocker titration strategies on QT variability in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS In a prospective study we recorded 5-minute resting high-resolution ECGs (HRECG) in 100 patients with CHF and measured heart rate (HR) and ventricular repolarization by QT variability index (QTVI). In a subgroup of patients not reaching target HR (<70bpm) we uptitrated beta blockers and repeated HRECG measurements 3months thereafter. RESULTS Target HR was present in 46 patients (group A), and in 54 patients HR was above target (group B). The groups did not differ in age, gender, NYHA class, NT pro-BNP, creatinine, or beta blocker dose. Patients in group A displayed significantly lower QTVI than patients in group B (-1.25±0.55 vs. -1.52±0.42, P=0.013). When uptitrating beta-blockers we found a decrease in HR (from 91±15bpm to 71±15bpm, P<0.001), NTpro BNP levels (from 4474±3878pg/ml to 3042±2566pg/ml, P=0.024), and NYHA class (from 3.0±0.8 to 2.5±0.7, P=0.006). With beta-blocker uptitration QTVI decreased in 10 of 24 patients (42%). In these patients HR decreased more than in the remaining cohort (-25±20bpm vs. -15±17bpm, P=0.017). On multivariate analysis, the presence of target HR was a predictor of QTVI decrease (P=0.017), but beta-blocker dose was not. CONCLUSIONS In patients with CHF treated by beta-blockers, changes in QT variability appear to occur in parallel with changes of heart rate. This suggests that heart rate-guided titration of beta-blockers may be associated with decreased risk of sudden cardiac death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misa Fister
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Center, UMC, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ursa Mikuz
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Center, UMC, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vito Starc
- Institute of Physiology, Ljubljana University School of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Vrtovec
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation Center, UMC, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - François Haddad
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Rain C, Rada G. Is carvedilol better than other beta-blockers for heart failure? Medwave 2015; 15 Suppl 1:e6168. [PMID: 26135382 DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2015.6168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is wide consensus about the benefits of beta-blockers in systolic heart failure. However, it is not clear if one specific beta-blocker is superior to the others. Some guidelines favor three evidence-based beta-blockers (carvedilol, bisoprolol and metoprolol) that have proved to decrease mortality. Carvedilol might have different physiological properties, commonly referred as pleiotropic effects, but the clinical meaning of them is not clear. Searching in Epistemonikos database, which is maintained by screening 30 databases, we identified four systematic reviews including eight pertinent randomized controlled trials. We combined the evidence using meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings following the GRADE approach. We concluded there is little or no difference in hospitalization risk between carvedilol and bisoprolol or metoprolol, but carvedilol might decrease mortality compared to metoprolol or bisoprolol. It is uncertain whether nebivolol can be an alternative because the certainty of the evidence is very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rain
- Programa de Salud Basada en Evidencia, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. Address: Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Lira 63, Santiago Centro, Chile.
| | - Gabriel Rada
- Programa de Salud Basada en Evidencia, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; GRADE working group; The Cochrane Collaboration; Fundación Epistemonikos
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Briasoulis A, Palla M, Afonso L. Meta-analysis of the effects of carvedilol versus metoprolol on all-cause mortality and hospitalizations in patients with heart failure. Am J Cardiol 2015; 115:1111-5. [PMID: 25708861 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.01.545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Long-term treatment with appropriate doses of carvedilol or metoprolol is currently recommended for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) to decrease the risk of death, hospitalizations, and patients' symptoms. It remains unclear if the β blockers used in patients with HFrEF are equal or carvedilol is superior to metoprolol types. We performed a meta-analysis of the comparative effects of carvedilol versus metoprolol tartrate and succinate on all-cause mortality and/or hospitalization. We conducted an Embase and MEDLINE search for prospective controlled trials and cohort studies of patients with HFrEF who were received to treatment with carvedilol versus metoprolol. We identified 4 prospective controlled and 6 cohort studies with 30,943 patients who received carvedilol and 69,925 patients on metoprolol types (tartrate and succinate) with an average follow-up duration of 36.4 months. All-cause mortality was reduced in prospective studies with carvedilol versus metoprolol tartrate. Neither all-cause mortality nor hospitalizations were significantly different between carvedilol and metoprolol succinate in the cohort studies. In conclusion, in patients with HFrEF, carvedilol and metoprolol succinate have similar effects in reducing all-cause mortality.
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Abstract
The QT Variability Index (QTVI) is a non-invasive measure of repolarization lability that has been applied to a wide variety of subjects with cardiovascular disease. It is a ratio of normalized QT variability to normalized heart rate variability, and therefore includes an assessment of autonomic nervous system tone. The approach assesses beat-to-beat variability in the duration of the QT and U wave in conventional surface electrocardiographic recordings, as well as determines the heart rate variability (HRV) from the same recording. As opposed to T wave alternans, QTVI assesses variance in repolarization at all frequencies. Nineteen studies have published data on QTVI in healthy individuals, while 20 have evaluated its performance in cohorts with cardiovascular disease. Six studies have assessed the utility of QTVI in predicting VT/VF, cardiac arrest, or cardiovascular death. A prospective study utilizing QTVI to determine therapy allocation has not been performed, and therefore the final determination of the value of the metric awaits definitive exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig P Dobson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Nayyar S, Roberts-Thomson KC, Hasan MA, Sullivan T, Harrington J, Sanders P, Baumert M. Autonomic modulation of repolarization instability in patients with heart failure prone to ventricular tachycardia. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2013; 305:H1181-8. [PMID: 23934852 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00448.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
QT variability (QTV) signifies repolarization lability, and increased QTV is a risk predictor for sudden cardiac death. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of autonomic nervous system activity on QTV. This study was performed in 29 subjects: 10 heart failure (HF) patients with spontaneous ventricular tachycardia [HFVT(+)], 10 HF patients without spontaneous VT [HFVT(-)], and 9 subjects with structurally normal hearts (HNorm). The beat-to-beat QT interval was measured on 3-min records of surface ECGs at baseline and during interventions (atrial pacing and esmolol, isoprenaline, and atropine infusion). Variability in QT intervals was expressed as the SD of all QT intervals (SDQT). The ratio of the SDQT to SD of RR intervals (SDRR) was calculated as an index of QTV normalized to heart rate variability. There was a trend toward a higher baseline SDQT-to-SDRR ratio in the HFVT(+) group compared with the HFVT(-) and HNorm groups (P = 0.09). SDQT increased significantly in the HFVT(+) and HFVT(-) groups compared with the HNorm group during fixed-rate atrial pacing (P = 0.008). Compared with baseline, isoprenaline infusion increased SDQT in HNorm subjects (P = 0.02) but not in HF patients. SDQT remained elevated in the HFVT(+) group relative to the HNorm group despite acute β-adrenoceptor blockade with esmolol (P = 0.02). In conclusion, patients with HF and spontaneous VT have larger fluctuations in beat-to-beat QT intervals. This appears to be a genuine effect that is not solely a consequence of heart rate variation. The effect of acute autonomic nervous system modulation on QTV appears to be limited in HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Nayyar
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, The University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Bodi I, Franke G, Pantulu ND, Wu K, Perez-Feliz S, Bode C, Zehender M, zur Hausen A, Brunner M, Odening KE. Differential effects of the β-adrenoceptor blockers carvedilol and metoprolol on SQT1- and SQT2-mutant channels. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2013; 24:1163-71. [PMID: 23718892 DOI: 10.1111/jce.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N588K-KCNH2 and V307L-KCNQ1 mutations lead to a gain-of-function of IKr and IKs thus causing short-QT syndromes (SQT1, SQT2). Combined pharmacotherapies using K(+) -channel-blockers and β-blockers are effective in SQTS. Since β-blockers can block IKr and IKs , we aimed at determining carvedilol's and metoprolol's electrophysiological effects on N588K-KCNH2 and V307L-KCNQ1 channels. METHODS Wild-type (WT)-KCNH2, WT-KCNQ1 and mutant N588K-KCNH2 and V307L-KCNQ1 channels were expressed in CHO-K1 or HEK-293T cells and IKs and IKr were recorded at baseline and during β-blocker exposure. RESULTS Carvedilol (10 μM) reduced IKs tail in WT- and V307L-KCNQ1 by 36.5 ± 5% and 18.6 ± 9% (P < 0.05). IC50 values were 16.3 μM (WT) and 46.1 μM (V307L), indicating a 2.8-fold decrease in carvedilol's IKs -blocking potency in V307L-KCNQ1. Carvedilol's (1 μM) inhibition of the IKr tail was attenuated in N588K-KCNH2 (4.5 ± 3% vs 50.3 ± 4%, WT, P < 0.001) with IC50 values of 2.8 μM (WT) and 25.4 μM (N588K). Carvedilol's IKr end-pulse inhibition, however, was increased in N588K-KCNH2 (10 μM, 60.7 ± 6% vs 36.5 ± 5%, WT, P < 0.01). Metoprolol (100 μM) reduced IKr end-pulse by 0.23 ± 3% (WT) and 74.1 ± 7% (N588K, P < 0.05), IKr tail by 32.9 ± 10% (WT) and 68.8 ± 7% (N588K, P < 0.05), and reduced IKs end-pulse by 18.3 ± 5% (WT) and 57.1 ± 11% (V307L, P < 0.05) and IKs tail by 3.3 ± 1% (WT) and 45.1 ± 13 % (V307L, P < 0.05), indicating an increased sensitivity to metoprolol in SQT mutated channels. CONCLUSIONS N588K-KCNH2 and V307L-KCNQ1 mutations decrease carvedilol's inhibition of the IKs or IKr tail but increase carvedilol's IKr end-pulse inhibition and metoprolol's inhibition of tail and end-pulse currents. These different effects on SQT1 and SQT2 mutated channels should be considered when using β-blocker therapy in SQTS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Bodi
- Heart Center Freiburg University, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Freiburg, Germany
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DiNicolantonio JJ, Lavie CJ, Fares H, Menezes AR, O'Keefe JH. Meta-analysis of carvedilol versus beta 1 selective beta-blockers (atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, and nebivolol). Am J Cardiol 2013; 111:765-9. [PMID: 23290925 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2012.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Because carvedilol is a unique vasodilating β blocker (BB) exerting antioxidant activity and pleiotropic effects, it was theorized that it may confer more potent beneficial effects on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF) settings. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of randomized, controlled, direct-comparison trials that included adults receiving atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, nebivolol, or carvedilol to evaluate the effects of carvedilol compared to other BBs on mortality, cardiovascular events, and hospital readmissions in the setting of AMI or systolic HF. Compared to β(1)-selective BBs used in HF (8 trials, n = 4,563), carvedilol significantly reduced all-cause mortality (risk ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.93, p = 0.0006). In 3 trials of patients with AMI (n = 644), carvedilol significantly reduced all-cause mortality by 45% (fixed-effects model: risk ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 0.94, p = 0.03, random-effects model: risk ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 1.12, p = 0.10), with no reduction in non-fatal MI (risk ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.31 to 1.22, p = 0.16). In conclusion, carvedilol, as compared against atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol and nebivolol in randomized direct comparison trials, significantly reduced all-cause mortality in systolic HF patients. Additionally, carvedilol significantly reduced all-cause mortality compared with β(1)-selective BBs in AMI patients using the fixed-effects model but not using the random-effects model.
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Piccirillo G, Rossi P, Mitra M, Quaglione R, Dell'Armi A, Di Barba D, Maisto D, Lizio A, Barillà F, Magrì D. Indexes of temporal myocardial repolarization dispersion and sudden cardiac death in heart failure: any difference? Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2012; 18:130-9. [PMID: 23530483 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The QT variability index, calculated between Q- and the T-wave end (QTend VI), is an index of temporal myocardial repolarization lability associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in chronic heart failure (CHF). Little is known about temporal variability in the other two temporal myocardial repolarization descriptors obtained from Q-Tpeak and Tpeak -Tend intervals. We therefore investigated differences between these indexes in patients with CHF who died suddenly and in those who survived with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% or >35%. METHODS AND RESULTS We selected 127 ECG and systolic blood pressure (SPB) recordings from outpatients with CHF all of whom had been followed up for 30 months. We calculated RR and SPB variability by power spectral analysis and QTend VI, QTpeak VI, Tpeak Tend VI. We then subdivided data patients into three groups SCD, LVEF ≤ 35%, and LVEF > 35%. The LVEF was higher in the SCD than in the LVEF ≤ 35% group, whereas no difference was found between the SCD and LVEF > 35% groups. QTend VI, QTpeak VI, and Tpeak Tend VI were higher in the SCD and LVEF ≤ 35% groups than in the LVEF > 35% group. Multivariate analysis detected a negative relationship between all repolarization variability indexes, low frequency obtained from RR intervals and LVEF. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that variability in the first (QTpeak VI) and second halves of the QT interval (Tpeak -Tend VI) significantly contributes to the QTend VI in patients with CHF. Further studies should investigate whether these indexes might help stratify the risk of SCD in patients with a moderately depressed LVEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Piccirillo
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrologic, and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Magrì D, Piccirillo G, Quaglione R, Dell'armi A, Mitra M, Velitti S, Di Barba D, Lizio A, Maisto D, Barillà F. Effect of Acute Mental Stress on Heart Rate and QT Variability in Postmyocardial Infarction Patients. ISRN CARDIOLOGY 2012; 2012:912672. [PMID: 22844616 PMCID: PMC3403409 DOI: 10.5402/2012/912672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Emotionally charged events are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). In this study we assessed RR and QT variability index (QTVI) at baseline during anger recall test (AR). We calculated QTVI from a 5-min ECG recording and from a 10-beats segment around the presumed maximum sympathetic activation in thirty post-myocardial infarction patients under β-blocker therapy and 10 controls underwent. In all groups, the low-frequency component of RR and SBP increased during AR. In all recordings, the QTVI calculated on a 5-min ECG recording and the QTVI10 beats were higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.05). The QTVI during AR remained unchanged from baseline within each group. Conversely, during AR, the QTVI10 beats in controls diminished significantly (P < 0.05) from baseline whereas in patients remained unchanged. The inability to buffer an acute stress-induced increase in sympathetic activity could explain why events charged with acute stress are associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in this setting of patients and support the role of cognitive behavior stress management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Magrì
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Andrea, "Sapienza" Università degli Studi di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Morita H. How can we stabilize QT variability? Heart Rhythm 2011; 8:1243-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2011.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Potter SLP, Holmqvist F, Platonov PG, Steding K, Arheden H, Pahlm O, Starc V, McKenna WJ, Schlegel TT. Detection of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is improved when using advanced rather than strictly conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram. J Electrocardiol 2011; 43:713-8. [PMID: 21040828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to screen for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but up to 25% of HCM patients do not have distinctly abnormal ECGs, whereas up to 5% to 15% of healthy athletes do. We hypothesized that an approximately 5-minute resting advanced 12-lead ECG test ("A-ECG score") could detect HCM with greater sensitivity than pooled conventional ECG criteria and distinguish healthy athletes from HCM with greater specificity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five-minute 12-lead ECGs were obtained from 56 HCM patients, 56 age/sex-matched healthy controls, and 69 younger endurance-trained athletes. Electrocardiograms were analyzed using recently suggested pooled conventional ECG criteria and also A-ECG scoring techniques that considered results from multiple advanced and conventional ECG parameters. RESULTS Compared with pooled criteria from the strictly conventional ECG, an A-ECG logistic score incorporating results from just 3 advanced ECG parameters (spatial QRS-T angle, unexplained portion of QT variability, and T-wave principal component analysis ratio) increased the sensitivity of ECG for identifying HCM from 89% (78%-96%) to 98% (89%-100%; P = .025), while increasing specificity from 90% (83%-94%) to 95% (92%-99%; P = .020). CONCLUSIONS Resting 12-lead A-ECG scores that are simultaneously more sensitive than pooled conventional ECG criteria for detecting HCM and more specific for distinguishing healthy athletes and other healthy controls from HCM can be constructed. Pending further prospective validation, such scores may lead to improved ECG-based screening for HCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara L Poplack Potter
- National Space Biomedical Research Institute and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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16
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Hinterseer M, Beckmann BM, Thomsen MB, Pfeufer A, Ulbrich M, Sinner MF, Perz S, Wichmann HE, Lengyel C, Schimpf R, Maier SK, Varró A, Vos MA, Steinbeck G, Kääb S. Usefulness of short-term variability of QT intervals as a predictor for electrical remodeling and proarrhythmia in patients with nonischemic heart failure. Am J Cardiol 2010; 106:216-20. [PMID: 20599006 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2010.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The high incidence of sudden cardiac death in heart failure (HF) reflects electrophysiologic changes in response to myocardial failure. We previously showed that short-term variability of QT intervals (STV(QT)) identifies latent repolarization disorders in patients with drug-induced or congenital long QT syndrome. This study sought to determine (1) if STV(QT) is increased in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DC) and moderate congestive HF and (2) if increased STV(QT) is associated with ventricular arrhythmia in patients with HF. Sixty patients (53 +/- 12 years of age, 14 women) with DC and moderate HF (New York Heart Association classes II to III) were compared to matched controls. Twenty patients had implantable cardiac defibrillators secondary to a history of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Two cardiologists blinded to diagnosis manually measured QT intervals. Beat-to-beat variability of repolarization was determined from Poincaré plots of 30 consecutive QT intervals as was STV(QT). QTc intervals were comparable in patients and controls (419 +/- 36 vs 415 +/- 32 ms, respectively, p >0.05), whereas STV(QT) was significantly higher in patients with HF (7.8 +/- 3 vs 4.1 +/- 2 ms, respectively, p <0.05). STV(QT) was more increased in patients with a history of VT compared to those without VT (10.1 +/- 2 vs 6.6 +/- 2 ms, respectively, p <0.05). Increased STV(QT) and decreased ejection fraction were associated with a history of VT; however, STV(QT) was the strongest indicator. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that STV(QT) is increased in patients with DC with HF. Patients with DC and HF and implantable cardiac defibrillators for secondary prevention had the highest STV(QT). Thus, increased STV(QT) in the context of moderate HF may reflect a latent repolarization disorder and increased susceptibility to sudden death in patients with DC, which is not identified by a prolonged QT interval.
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Ng TMH, Olsen KM, McCartan MA, Puumala SE, Speidel KM, Miller MA, Sears TD. Drug-Induced QTc-Interval Prolongation in the Intensive Care Unit: Incidence and Predictors. J Pharm Pract 2010; 23:19-24. [DOI: 10.1177/0897190009356549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of information regarding QTc prolongation in critically ill patients. A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the incidence and predictors of QTc prolongation associated with medications in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Consecutive adult patients prescribed prespecified QTc-prolonging medications were assessed for development of the combined incidence of QTc >500 ms at anytime and QTc increase >60 ms above baseline. Over 3 months, 200 consecutive patients (63 ± 18 years; 52% female; 73% Caucasian; baseline QTc 447.3 ± 51.5 ms) were evaluated. The primary end point occurred in 48% of the patients (QTc >500 ms 40%, QTc increase >60 ms 29%). The majority of patients experienced a QTc >470 or 450 ms (60.5%). Mean increase in QTc at 48 hours was 20 ± 35 ms. Upon multivariate analysis, length of stay [odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval (1.15, 1.47)] and baseline QTc [1.01 (1.01, 1.02)] were associated with an increased risk for the primary end point, while beta-blockers [0.41 (0.20, 0.81)] were associated with a risk reduction. In conclusion, increased risk of proarrhythmia, as assessed by QTc prolongation, occurs in the majority of ICU patients when prescribed medications with electrophysiologic properties. Increased vigilance is warranted. The possible protective effect of beta-blockers requires confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien M. H. Ng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics & Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Keith M. Olsen
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Megan A. McCartan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Susan E. Puumala
- Department of Preventive and Societal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Katie M. Speidel
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Melissa A. Miller
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Tom D. Sears
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Autonomic nervous system activity measured directly and QT interval variability in normal and pacing-induced tachycardia heart failure dogs. J Am Coll Cardiol 2009; 54:840-50. [PMID: 19695465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to find out more about the relationship between sympathetic and vagal nerve activity and the cardiac repolarization in a canine model of pacing-induced tachycardia congestive heart failure (CHF). BACKGROUND The QT variability index (QTVI), a noninvasive marker of temporal cardiac repolarization dispersion, is among the risk factors for sudden death during CHF. Among factors influencing this variable are the myocardial damage and the autonomic nervous system activity typical of dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS We assessed autonomic nervous system activity recorded from an implanted data transmitter that monitored integrated left stellate-ganglion nervous activity, integrated vagus nerve activity, and electrocardiogram. We collected 36 segments recorded at baseline and 36 after induced CHF. We then arbitrarily identified recording segments as containing low or high sympathetic activity values, and we compared corrected QT intervals and the QTVI under a given sympathetic activity condition at baseline and after inducing CHF. RESULTS In the high sympathetic activity subgroup, both QT variables increased from baseline to CHF (corrected QT intervals, p < 0.01; QTVI, p < 0.05) whereas in the low sympathetic activity subgroup they remained unchanged. The baseline QTVI correlated inversely with integrated vagus nerve activity (r(2) = 0.16; beta = -0.47; p < 0.05) whereas, during CHF, the QTVI correlated directly with integrated left stellate-ganglion nervous activity (r(2) = 0.32; beta = 0.27, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS During CHF, sympathetic activation is associated with an increase in the QT interval and QTVI. Because these changes vary over time, they could result from myocardial structural damage and sympathetic activation combined. Conversely, under normal conditions, no relationship exists between sympathetic activation and the QT variables.
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Kim HS, Kim JT, Kim CS, Kim SD, Kim K, Yum MK. Effects of sevoflurane on QT parameters in children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Anaesthesia 2009; 64:3-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2008.05678.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Influence of olanzapine on QT variability and complexity measures of heart rate in patients with schizophrenia. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2008; 28:694-8. [PMID: 19011440 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e31818a6d25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that untreated patients with acute schizophrenia present with reduced heart rate variability and complexity as well as increased QT variability. This autonomic dysregulation might contribute to increased cardiac morbidity and mortality in these patients. However, the additional effects of newer antipsychotics on autonomic dysfunction have not been investigated, applying these new cardiac parameters to gain information about the regulation at sinus node level as well as the susceptibility to arrhythmias. We have investigated 15 patients with acute schizophrenia before and after established olanzapine treatment and compared them with matched controls. New nonlinear parameters (approximate entropy, compression entropy, fractal dimension) of heart rate variability and also the QT-variability index were calculated. In accordance with previous results, we have observed reduced complexity of heart rate regulation in untreated patients. Furthermore, the QT-variability index was significantly increased in unmedicated patients, indicating increased repolarization lability. Reduction of the heart rate regulation complexity after olanzapine treatment was seen, as measured by compression entropy of heart rate. No change in QT variability was observed after treatment. This study shows that unmedicated patients with acute schizophrenia experience autonomic dysfunction. Olanzapine treatment seems to have very little additional impact in regard to the QT variability. However, the decrease in heart rate complexity after olanzapine treatment suggests decreased cardiac vagal function, which may increase the risk for cardiac mortality. Further studies are warranted to gain more insight into cardiac regulation in schizophrenia and the effect of novel antipsychotics.
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Kanoupakis EM, Manios EG, Mavrakis HE, Kallergis EM, Lyrarakis GM, Koutalas EP, Vardas PE. Electrophysiological effects of carvedilol administration in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2008; 22:169-76. [PMID: 18205033 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-008-6081-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2007] [Accepted: 01/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several studies suggest the clinical efficacy of carvedilol in reducing atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) due to congestive heart failure (CHF) or following myocardial infarction. However, the mechanisms supporting its antiarrhythmic efficacy have been derived from experimental studies. In this prospective, placebo-controlled trial we examined the electrophysiological effects of a high oral dose of carvedilol in patients with CHF and LVD due to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS Thirty-one patients with stable CHF underwent electrophysiological study and were randomly assigned to treatment with carvedilol or placebo. After 2 months of treatment the study was repeated. RESULTS Carvedilol prolonged almost all conduction times. In the same group atrial and ventricular effective refractory periods were significantly prolonged, while the parameters of repolarization remained virtually unchanged. The prolongation of refractoriness was most pronounced in the atrium. The change in ventricular refractoriness was correlated with ejection fraction (r = 0.94, p < 0.01) suggesting that patients with more preserved left ventricular function responded to treatment with greater prolongation. CONCLUSION Even after a short period of administration carvedilol has marked and diffused electrophysiological effects that would be beneficial for patients with CHF and may contribute to the positive outcome of clinical trials.
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Piccirillo G, Magrì D, Matera S, Marigliano V. Emotions that afflict the heart: influence of the autonomic nervous system on temporal dispersion of myocardial repolarization. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2007; 19:185-7. [PMID: 18081758 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2007.01046.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Scatter in repolarization timing predicts clinical events in post-myocardial infarction patients. Heart Rhythm 2007; 5:208-14. [PMID: 18242541 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2007.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Accepted: 10/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased spatial and temporal dispersion of repolarization contributes to ventricular arrhythmogenesis. Beat-to-beat fluctuations in T-wave timing are thought to represent such dispersion and may predict clinical events. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess whether a novel noninvasive measure of beat-to-beat instability in T-wave timing would provide additive prognostic information in post-myocardial infarction patients. METHODS We studied 678 patients from 12 hospitals with 32-lead 5-minute electrocardiogram recordings 6-8 weeks after myocardial infarction. Custom software identified R wave-to-T wave intervals (RTIs) and diastolic intervals (DIs). Repolarization scatter (RTI:DI(StdErr)) was then calculated as the standard error about the RTI:DI regression line. In addition, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), short-term heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, and QT variability index were measured. Patients were followed for the composite endpoint of death or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. RESULTS After a mean follow-up of 63 months, 134 patients met the composite endpoint. An RTI:DI(StdErr) >5.50 ms was associated with a 210% increase in arrhythmias or deaths (P <.001). After adjusting for LVEF, RTI:DI(StdErr) remained an independent predictor (P <.001). RTI:DI(StdErr) was also independent of short-term HRV parameters and the QT variability index. CONCLUSIONS Increased repolarization scatter, a measure of high-frequency, cycle-length-dependent repolarization instability, predicts poor outcomes in patients after myocardial infarction.
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Bär KJ, Koschke M, Boettger MK, Berger S, Kabisch A, Sauer H, Voss A, Yeragani VK. Acute psychosis leads to increased QT variability in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2007; 95:115-23. [PMID: 17630259 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2007.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2006] [Revised: 05/16/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia have been reported to experience sudden cardiac death 3 times more likely than individuals from the general population. One important factor related to an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death is the prolongation of the QTc interval. This study examined whether acute psychosis might influence the beat-to-beat variability of the QT interval, which reflects effectively cardiac repolarization lability. High resolution electrocardiographic recordings were performed in 25 unmedicated patients suffering from acute schizophrenia and matched controls. From these, parameters of beat-to-beat heart rate and QT variability measures such as approximate entropy and QT variability index (QTvi) were calculated. Measures were correlated with the scale for the assessment of positive symptoms (SAPS) and negative symptoms (SANS). QTvi was significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls. While QTvi correlated with the degree of delusions and hallucinations, no correlation with electrolyte concentrations was found. Approximate entropy of heart rate was decreased indicating reduced complexity and decreased vagal tone. In conclusion, increased QT variability in patients with schizophrenia indicates abnormal cardiac repolarization lability, which can result in serious cardiac arrhythmias. The correlation of positive symptoms with QT variability might indicate high sympathetic cardiac activity in these patients, which might be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Jürgen Bär
- Department of Psychiatry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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25
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Remme WJ, Cleland JG, Erhardt L, Spark P, Torp-Pedersen C, Metra M, Komajda M, Moullet C, Lukas MA, Poole-Wilson P, Di Lenarda A, Swedberg K. Effect of carvedilol and metoprolol on the mode of death in patients with heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2007; 9:1128-35. [PMID: 17716943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejheart.2007.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 06/21/2007] [Accepted: 07/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the COMET study, carvedilol improved survival compared to metoprolol tartrate in 3029 patients with NYHA II-IV heart failure and EF <35%, followed for an average of 58 months. AIMS To evaluate whether the effect on overall mortality was specific for a particular mode of death. This may help to identify the mechanism of the observed difference. METHODS Of the 1112 total deaths, 972 were adjudicated as cardiovascular, including 480 sudden, 365 circulatory failure (CF) and 51 stroke deaths. For each mode of death, the effect of pre-specified baseline variables was assessed, including sex, age, NYHA class, aetiology, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, EF, atrial fibrillation, previous myocardial infarction or hypertension, renal function, concomitant medication, and study treatment allocation. RESULTS In multivariate Cox regression analyses, compared to metoprolol, carvedilol reduced cardiovascular (RR 0.80, CI 0.7-0.91, p=0.0009), sudden (RR 0.77, CI 0.64-0.93, p=0.0073) and stroke deaths (RR 0.37, CI 0.19-0.71, p=0.0027) with a non-significant trend for CF death (RR 0.83, CI 0.66-1.04, p=0.07). Treatment benefit with carvedilol did not differ between modes of death, except for a greater reduction in stroke death with carvedilol (competing risk analysis, p=0.0071 vs CF death). There were no interactions between treatment allocation and baseline characteristics. CONCLUSION Mortality reduction with carvedilol compared to metoprolol appears relatively non-specific and could be consistent with a superior effect of carvedilol on cardiac function, arrhythmias or, in view of the greater reduction in stroke deaths, on vascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem J Remme
- Sticares Cardiovascular Research Foundation, PO Box 882, 3160 AB Rhoon, The Netherlands.
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Magrì D, Sciomer S, Fedele F, Gualdi G, Casciani E, Pugliese P, Losardo A, Ferrazza G, Pasquazzi E, Schifano E, Magnanti M, Matera S, Marigliano V, Piccirillo G. Increased QT variability in young asymptomatic patients with beta-thalassemia major. Eur J Haematol 2007; 79:322-9. [PMID: 17655692 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2007.00921.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent progress in iron chelation therapy, sudden cardiac death due to malignant ventricular arrhythmias remains a vexing, clinical problem in patients with beta-thalassemia major (TM). In this study we assessed whether the major indices of QT variability, emerging tools for risk stratification of sudden cardiac death, differ in young asymptomatic patients with TM and healthy persons. METHODS Thirty patients with TM and 30 healthy control subjects underwent a 5-min electrocardiography recording to calculate the following variables: QT variance (QT(v)), QT(v) normalized for mean QT (QTVN) and QT variability index (QTVI). All subjects also underwent a two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography study and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine cardiac and hepatic T2* values. RESULTS No differences were observed in clinical and conventional echo-Doppler findings in healthy control subjects and patients with TM whereas QT(v), QTVN and QTVI values were significantly higher in patients than those in controls (QT(v), P < 0.001; QTVN, P < 0.05 and QTVI, P < 0.001) and cardiac T2* and hepatic MRI T2* values were significantly lower in patients with TM (P < 0.001). The indices of temporal QT variability correlated significantly with MRI data. CONCLUSIONS Young asymptomatic patients with TM have increased cardiac repolarization variability as assessed by QT variability indices, probably due to cardiac iron deposition. These easily assessed, non-invasive markers could be used to identify increased myocardial repolarization lability early in asymptomatic patients with TM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Magrì
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari, Respiratorie e Morfologiche, Policlinico Umberto I, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Saikawa T, Nakagawa M, Takahashi N. QT Interval Revisited-Not Just the Matter of "Interval," but "Dynamics, Variability and Morphology" Matter!-. J Arrhythm 2007. [DOI: 10.4020/jhrs.23.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Saikawa T, Nakagawa M, Takahashi N. QT Interval Revisited —Not Just the Matter of “Interval,” but “Dynamics, Variability and Morphology” Matter!—. J Arrhythm 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1880-4276(07)80002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Abstract
Although beta-adrenergic blocking agents are not always considered anti-arrhythmic drugs, the results of several recent trials have suggested an anti-arrhythmic mechanism for at least part of their mortality benefit in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure. We review background experimental and clinical evidence for the anti-arrhythmic actions of beta-blockers and then review the results of published beta-blocker heart failure trials. A majority of trials showed improvement in overall survival as well as reduction in sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias with beta-blocker treatment. Although different effects were seen with different specific agents, these trials overall support a clinically significant anti-arrhythmic effect of several beta-blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daejoon Anh
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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30
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Piccirillo G, Magnanti M, Matera S, Di Carlo S, De Laurentis T, Torrini A, Marchitto N, Ricci R, Magrí D. Age and QT variability index during free breathing, controlled breathing and tilt in patients with chronic heart failure and healthy control subjects. Transl Res 2006; 148:72-8. [PMID: 16890147 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2005] [Revised: 01/05/2006] [Accepted: 02/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The QT variability index (QTVI) indicates temporal dispersion in myocardial repolarization, and a high QTVI is associated with a propensity for sudden death from malignant ventricular arrhythmias in subjects at high risk. In this study, the authors assessed the effects of free breathing, controlled breathing, and sympathetic stress (tilt) on the QTVI in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and healthy control subjects. The authors also examined the influence of age on the same variables. To obtain normative data, they calculated 95% confidence intervals for healthy subjects grouped according to age. Under all experimental conditions, the QTVI was larger in the CHF group overall and in the age subsets than in controls. In patients and controls, the QTVI increased significantly during tilt, although no differences were found between the QTVI measured during free and controlled breathing. In healthy controls, the following variables correlated significantly with the QTVI: age and baseline heart rate (P < 0.001). In patients with CHF, aging had no influence on the QTVI. CONCLUSION Age, sympathetic stress, and CHF all tend to increase the QTVI and could potentially induce sudden death. Further studies should assess the usefulness of the QTVI as a marker predicting sudden cardiac death under the various conditions of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Piccirillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Policlinico Umberto I, Universitá La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Vrtovec B, Okrajsek R, Golicnik A, Ferjan M, Starc V, Radovancevic B. Atorvastatin Therapy Increases Heart Rate Variability, Decreases QT Variability, and Shortens QTc Interval Duration in Patients With Advanced Chronic Heart Failure. J Card Fail 2005; 11:684-90. [PMID: 16360963 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2005.06.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2005] [Revised: 06/25/2005] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although statins decrease the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with atherosclerotic heart disease, their potential antiarrhythmic effects in heart failure remain undefined. METHODS AND RESULTS Of 80 heart failure patients enrolled, 40 were randomized to receive atorvastatin (statin group); the remaining 40 served as controls. At baseline and after 3 months, we measured heart rate variability (HRV), QT variability (QTV), and QTc interval using interactive high-resolution electrocardiogram analysis. The 2 groups did not differ in baseline HRV standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) (RR): 24.6 +/- 2.8 ms in statin group versus 24.8 +/- 3.1 ms in controls, P = .72; square root of the mean of squared differences between successive intervals (rMSSD) (RR): 21.2 +/- 2.7 ms versus 21.7 +/- 2.9 ms, P = .43), QTV SDNN (QT): 6.4 +/- 1.5 ms versus 6.4+/-1.7, P = .96; rMSSD QT): 9.0 +/- 2.4 ms versus 8.7 +/- 2.9 ms, P = .65, and QTc interval 450 +/- 30 ms versus 446 +/- 27 ms, P = .59. At 3 months, the statin group displayed higher HRV SDNN RR): 27.2 +/- 4.9 ms versus 24.4 +/- 2.8 ms in controls, P = .003; rMSSD RR: 24.7 +/- 4.2 ms versus 21.3 +/- 5.6 ms, P = .004, lower QTV SDNN (QT): 5.1 +/- 1.9 ms versus 6.5 +/- 2.1, P = .004; rMSSD (QT): 6.6 +/- 2.8 ms versus 8.8 +/- 3.1 ms, P = .002, and shorter QTc interval 437 +/- 29 ms versus 450 +/- 25 ms, P = .03 than the control group. CONCLUSIONS Atorvastatin increases HRV, decreases QTV, and shortens QTc interval, and may thereby reduce the risk of arrhythmias in patients with advanced heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojan Vrtovec
- Division of Cardiology, Ljubljana University Medical Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Myredal A, Gao S, Friberg P, Jensen G, Larsson L, Johansson M. Increased myocardial repolarization lability and reduced cardiac baroreflex sensitivity in individuals with high-normal blood pressure. J Hypertens 2005; 23:1751-6. [PMID: 16093922 DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000179762.93291.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension have proposed that, to prevent cardiovascular disease, lifestyle modifications are required even in the case of high-normal blood pressure (HNBP). OBJECTIVE To assess myocardial repolarization and spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in newly diagnosed and never-treated individuals. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS We studied healthy individuals with HNBP according to the 2003 European Society of Hypertension-ESC guidelines and, for comparison, patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH) and healthy individuals with normal blood pressure (NBP). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Electrocardiogram and beat-to-beat blood pressure were recorded and spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and the temporal QT interval variability index (QTVI) were calculated. RESULTS Individuals with HNBP had increased QTVI values compared with those with NBP (-1.23 +/- 0.37 compared with -1.52 +/- 0.26; P < 0.05), whereas patients with RVH had additionally increased QTVI values that were greater than those in healthy individuals with NBP or HNBP (-0.81 +/- 0.75; P < 0.05 compared with both groups). BRS was reduced in both groups of individuals with increased blood pressures compared with NBP (8.2 +/- 4.1 ms/mmHg for individuals with HNBP, 6.1 +/- 4.3 ms/mmHg for patients with RVH and 10.8 +/- 3.5 ms/mmHg for NBP; P < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSION In otherwise healthy individuals, even a moderate blood pressure increase is associated with increased myocardial repolarization lability and reduced baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Patients with RVH have an additionally increased QTVI, with values similar to those reported in congestive heart failure. Future studies are needed to establish the value of QTVI and BRS measurements among individuals with HNBP in predicting the risk of progression to hypertension and end-organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Myredal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Varberg Hospital, Varberg, Sweden
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El-Sherif N, Turitto G. Electrophysiologic Effects of Carvedilol: Is Carvedilol an Antiarrhythmic Agent? PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2005; 28:985-90. [PMID: 16176541 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2005.00200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The cardiovascular drug carvedilol is characterized by multiple pharmacological actions, which translate into a wide-spectrum therapeutic potential. Its major molecular targets are membrane adrenoceptors, ion channels, and reactive oxygen species. Carvedilol's favorable hemodynamic effects are due to the fact that the drug competitively blocks beta(1)-, beta(2)-, and alpha(1)- adrenoceptors. Several additional properties have been documented and may be clinically important, including antioxidant, antiproliferative/antiatherogenic, anti-ischemic, and antihypertrophic effects. The antiarrhythmic action of carvedilol may be related to a combination of its beta-blocking effects with its modulating effects on a variety of ion channels and currents. Several studies suggest that the drug may be useful in reducing cardiac death in high-risk patients with prior myocardial infarction and/or heart failure, as well as for primary and secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation. This article will review experimental data available on the electrophysiologic properties of carvedilol, with a focus on their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil El-Sherif
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 1199, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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Naccarelli GV, Lukas MA. Carvedilol's antiarrhythmic properties: therapeutic implications in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Clin Cardiol 2005; 28:165-73. [PMID: 15869048 PMCID: PMC6653935 DOI: 10.1002/clc.4960280403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Carvedilol is a beta- and alpha-adrenergic-blocking drug with clinically important antiarrhythmic properties. It possesses anti-ischemic and antioxidant activity and inhibits a number of cationic channels in the cardiomyocyte, including the HERG-associated potassium channel, the L-type calcium channel, and the rapid-depolarizing sodium channel. The electrophysiologic properties of carvedilol include moderate prolongation of action potential duration and effective refractory period; slowing of atrioventricular conduction; and reducing the dispersion of refractoriness. Experimentally, carvedilol reduces complex and repetitive ventricular ectopy induced by ischemia and reperfusion. In patients, carvedilol is effective in controlling the ventricular rate response in atrial fibrillation (AF), with and without digitalis, and is useful in maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion, with and without amiodarone. In patients with AF and heart failure (HF), carvedilol reduces mortality risk and improves left ventricular (LV) function. Large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated that combined carvedilol and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy significantly reduces sudden cardiac death, mortality, and ventricular arrhythmia in patients with LV dysfunction (LVD) due to chronic HF or following myocardial infarction (MI). Despite intensive neurohormonal blockade, mortality rates remain relatively high in patients with post-MI and nonischemic LVD. Recent trials of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators added to pharmacologic therapy, especially beta blockers, have shown a further reduction in arrhythmic deaths in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald V Naccarelli
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Penn State University College of Medicine, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA.
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Johansson M, Gao SA, Friberg P, Annerstedt M, Bergström G, Carlström J, Ivarsson T, Jensen G, Ljungman S, Mathillas O, Nielsen FD, Strömbom U. Elevated temporal QT variability index in patients with chronic renal failure. Clin Sci (Lond) 2005; 107:583-8. [PMID: 15317485 DOI: 10.1042/cs20040122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Patients with CRF (chronic renal failure) are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and 60% of cardiovascular mortality in CRF is attributed to sudden death. Various abnormalities in myocardial repolarization are associated with the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to evaluate an index of temporal myocardial repolarization lability, the temporal QTVI (QT variability index), in patients with CRF. ECGs were recorded in 153 patients with CRF on haemodialysis (n=67), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (n=43) or conservative treatment (n=43) during 30 min of rest. QTVI was calculated as the logarithm of the ratio between the variances of the normalized QT and RR intervals. Age-matched healthy subjects (n=39) were examined for comparison. QTVI was increased by 47% in CRF patients compared with healthy subjects (-0.82+/-0.56 compared with -1.54+/-0.27 respectively; P<0.01). QTVI did not differ among patients on dialysis or conservative treatment, whereas QTVI was elevated further in patients with diabetes compared with non-diabetic CRF patients (-0.56+/-0.54 compared with -0.94+/-0.52 respectively; P<0.01). In a multiple linear regression analysis, diabetes and a history of coronary artery disease were the only independent predictors of QTVI in the CRF population. The present study demonstrates that elevated QTVI in patients with CRF is associated with diabetes and coronary disease. The present findings are important given that repolarization instability may predispose to ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death, events that occur frequently in CRF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Johansson
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
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Bonnemeier H, Ortak J, Tölg R, Witt M, Schmidt J, Wiegand UKH, Bode F, Schunkert H, Richardt G. Carvedilol Versus Metoprolol in Patients Undergoing Direct Percutaneous Coronary Interventions for Myocardial Infarction: Effects on QT Dynamicity. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2005; 28 Suppl 1:S217-21. [PMID: 15683500 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2005.00013.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Beta-adrenergic blockers exert significant antiarrhythmic activity during ischemia and reperfusion. To further explore the beneficial effects conferred by alpha-1-adrenoceptor blockade on ventricular repolarization dynamicity in the acute phase of myocardial infarction (AMI), we compared carvedilol with metoprolol in the setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In a prospective study, 100 consecutive patients undergoing primary PCI for AMI were randomized to metoprolol 200 mg/day versus carvedilol 25 mg/day. The first oral dose of study drug was administered and a 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram recorded upon hospital admission. Slopes of the linear QT/RR regression were determined before and after reperfusion. A total of 38 recordings of patients treated with metoprolol and 34 recordings of patients with carvedilol were eligible for analysis of QT/RR slopes. The two study groups were similar with respect to age, gender, TIMI perfusion grades, ventricular function, duration of ischemia, and site and size of infarction. Mean RR- and QT-intervals were similar to the metoprolol and carvedilol groups, before and after PCI. Likewise, there was no significant difference in QT/RR slopes between the metoprolol and carvedilol groups before PCI. In contrast, after PCI, there was a trend toward lower QT/RR slopes in the metoprolol group (from 0.18 +/- 0.07 to 0.17 +/- 0.08), and a significant decrease in QT/RR slopes in the carvedilol group (from 0.17 +/- 0.07 to 0.14 +/- 0.09). In patients undergoing successful direct PCI for AMI, treatment with carvedilol, in contrast to metoprolol, was associated with a significant decrease in QT-RR slopes, suggesting greater cardiac electrical stability.
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Nolan ER, Girand M, Bailie M, Yeragani VK. CIRCADIAN CHANGES IN THE QT VARIABILITY INDEX IN THE BEAGLE DOG. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2004; 31:783-5. [PMID: 15566393 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2004.04081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1. QT variability is a non-invasive marker of cardiac repolarization lability and a higher QT variability is associated with sudden death. No data exist as to the circadian fluctuations in QT variability and the QT variability index (QTvi) in the canine. The purpose of the present investigation was to explore QT interval variability over 24 h in the healthy dog. 2. Continuous lead II electrocardiogram and blood pressure data were collected for 24 h from three beagles instrumented with radiotelemetry devices. The mean heart rate (HR), detrended HR variance, mean QT interval and detrended QT variance were calculated from the instantaneous HR and QT time series of 1024 points (256 s), as described previously, and a normalized QTvi was derived. 3. The dog has a diurnal pattern of QTvi similar to healthy humans. Both dogs and humans exhibit a significantly higher QTvi during active waking hours, with more negative values during deep sleep. 4. These findings suggest QTvi may serve as an additional non-invasive tool to assess ventricular repolarization lability in dogs in relation to any conditions or drugs that are known to be associated with increased cardiac mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Nolan
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review was to describe important developments in the selection of beta-blockers in heart failure. RECENT FINDINGS The superiority of carvedilol over metoprolol tartrate in one clinical trial is demonstrated, and multiple studies investigated the potential mechanisms of benefit. Current practice patterns still demonstrate the importance of understanding barriers to the effective use of beta-blocking agents. SUMMARY There are continued refinements in the choice of beta-blockers in heart failure, but clearly an important remaining challenge is to modify health care delivery in an effort to maximize adherence to guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Giesler
- University of Texas-Houston and University of Texas-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Abstract
Carvedilol (Dilatrend) blocks beta(1)-, beta(2)- and alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, and has antioxidant and antiproliferative effects. Carvedilol improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in numerous studies. Moreover, significantly greater increases from baseline in LVEF were seen with carvedilol than with metoprolol in a double-blind, randomised study and in a meta-analysis. Carvedilol also reversed or attenuated left ventricular remodelling in patients with CHF and in those with left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Combined analysis of studies in the US Carvedilol Heart Failure Trials Program (patients had varying severities of CHF; n = 1094) revealed that mortality was significantly lower in carvedilol than in placebo recipients. In addition, the risk of hospitalisation for any cardiovascular cause was significantly lower with carvedilol than with placebo. Mortality was significantly lower with carvedilol than with metoprolol in patients with mild to severe CHF in the Carvedilol Or Metoprolol European Trial (COMET) [n = 3029]. The Carvedilol Prospective Randomised Cumulative Survival (COPERNICUS) trial (n = 2289) demonstrated that compared with placebo, carvedilol was associated with significant reductions in all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint of death or hospitalisation for any reason in severe CHF. All-cause mortality was reduced in patients who received carvedilol in addition to conventional therapy compared with those who received placebo plus conventional therapy in the Carvedilol Post-Infarct Survival Control in LV Dysfunction (CAPRICORN) trial (enrolling 1959 patients with left ventricular dysfunction following acute MI). Carvedilol was generally well tolerated in patients with CHF. Adverse events associated with the alpha- and beta-blocking effects of the drug occurred more commonly with carvedilol than with placebo, whereas placebo recipients were more likely to experience worsening heart failure. In conclusion, carvedilol blocks beta(1)-, beta(2)- and alpha(1)-adrenoceptors and has a unique pharmacological profile. It is thought that additional properties of carvedilol (e.g. antioxidant and antiproliferative effects) contribute to its beneficial effects in CHF. Carvedilol improves ventricular function and reduces mortality and morbidity in patients with mild to severe CHF, and should be considered a standard treatment option in this setting. Administering carvedilol in addition to conventional therapy reduces mortality and attenuates myocardial remodelling in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following acute MI. Moreover, mortality was significantly lower with carvedilol than with metoprolol in patients with mild to severe CHF, suggesting that carvedilol may be the preferred beta-blocker.
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