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QT dispersion after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
T Randell1, P Tanskanen, M Scheinin
1Department of Anaesthesia, Töölö Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology
|July 22, 1999
Summary
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) significantly increases QT dispersion, a marker for cardiac arrhythmias. This finding, linked to elevated catecholamines, highlights SAH
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) triggers a stress response, increasing catecholamines and cardiac arrhythmias.
- Elevated QT dispersion is a known risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias.
- QT dispersion has not been previously investigated in SAH patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate QT dispersion in patients following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- To explore the relationship between QT dispersion, catecholamine levels, and cardiac arrhythmias in SAH.
Main Methods:
- QT dispersion analysis in 26 SAH patients and 16 controls.
- Plasma catecholamine levels (including DHPG) measured in 15 SAH patients.
- Continuous 18-hour ECG monitoring and daily ECGs for up to 9 days.
Main Results:
- SAH patients exhibited significantly higher median QT dispersion (78 ms) compared to controls (25 ms) (P < .001).
- A positive correlation was observed between QT dispersion and plasma DHPG (norepinephrine metabolite) levels (P < .05).
- All SAH patients experienced cardiac arrhythmias during monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Increased QT dispersion is a prevalent finding in subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Elevated plasma catecholamine concentrations likely contribute to increased QT dispersion in SAH.
- QT dispersion may serve as a marker for cardiac risk in SAH patients.