Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
08:28

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

18.3K

P wave and QT dispersion in familial mediterranean fever

A Kirbas1, K Daglar, O Kirbas

  • 1Department of Perinatology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women Health Care, Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. ozgurkirbas@yahoo.com.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|September 10, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) in pregnant women on colchicine treatment did not show altered P wave dispersion (Pd) or QT dispersion (QTd). However, increased epicardial fat thickness was observed in FMF patients, suggesting a potential cardio-protective effect of colchicine.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a common auto-inflammatory disease causing recurrent fever and inflammation.
  • Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases face elevated cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Assessing cardiac repolarization in pregnant FMF patients is crucial due to potential cardiovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate atrial and ventricular repolarization changes in pregnant women with and without FMF.
  • To evaluate P wave dispersion (Pd) and QT dispersion (QTd) using standard electrocardiogram (ECG).
  • To assess the impact of FMF and colchicine treatment on cardiac electrophysiology during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 37 pregnant women with FMF on colchicine and 40 healthy pregnant controls.
  • 12-lead ECG and echocardiography were prospectively utilized.
  • P wave dispersion (Pd) and QT dispersion (QTd) parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in Pd and corrected QT values were found between FMF and control groups.
  • Epicardial fat thickness was significantly higher in the FMF group (p = 0.015).
  • A positive correlation existed between FMF duration and epicardial fat thickness (r = 0.350, p = 0.042).

Conclusions:

  • Pd and QTd values were not altered in pregnant women with FMF on colchicine, indicating no increased risk of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias.
  • Colchicine may offer a cardio-protective effect in FMF patients beyond its anti-inflammatory action.
  • Increased epicardial fat in FMF patients warrants further investigation regarding cardiovascular risk during pregnancy.

More Related Videos

In Vivo Surface Electrocardiography for Adult Zebrafish09:13

In Vivo Surface Electrocardiography for Adult Zebrafish

Published on: August 1, 2019

15.0K
Electrophysiological Analysis of human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes hPSC-CMs Using Multi-electrode Arrays MEAs11:13

Electrophysiological Analysis of human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes hPSC-CMs Using Multi-electrode Arrays MEAs

Published on: May 12, 2017

21.0K

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
733
Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
7.4K
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
630
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
3.5K
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
801
Electrocardiogram Fundamentals01:28

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin...
1.8K