Continuous administration of landiolol reduced QT dispersion in postoperative patients

To determine the changes in QT dispersion (QTD) in the standard electrocardiogram (ECG) of postoperative patients and the effect of landiolol on QTD.

Randomized, prospective, double-blinded study.

40 postsurgical patients.

Patients were allocated to three groups: Control group patients (Group C) were administered saline and patients in the landiolol groups (Group L2 and Group L5) were infused landiolol 2 μg/kg/min and 5 μg/kg/min, respectively. All infusions were started at midnight and discontinued at 6 o'clock in the morning.

Heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) invasive blood pressure, and ECG were recorded at 0 (immediately before infusion), at 3 o'clock, and 6 o'clock (immediately before termination). The ECG wave was recorded electronically and QTD was analyzed using PC software. Heart rate, blood pressure, QT interval, and QTD were compared as changes from baseline values.

In Groups L2 and L5, HR was significantly decreased, approximately 10 bpm. Both SBP and DBP showed a decreasing trend at 3 o'clock. Absolute QT interval was prolonged in all groups; however, the decrease in QTD occurred in Group L5.

Continuous administration of landiolol prevents the increase in QTD found on the morning in postoperative patients. Landiolol demonstrated a possible antiarrhythmic effect by improving the imbalance of repolarization.