Interictal cardiac repolarization abnormalities in people with epilepsy
Nirmeen A Kishk1, Yasser Sharaf2, Asmaa M Ebraheim1
1Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|December 24, 2017
Summary
Patients with epilepsy have a higher risk of cardiac repolarization disorders, specifically corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation. This finding highlights the need for electrocardiogram (ECG) screening in epilepsy patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Cardiac electrical abnormalities, including repolarization disorders, are linked to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients.
- Understanding these abnormalities is crucial for clarifying epilepsy-related mortality mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of cardiac repolarization disorders in epilepsy patients.
- To identify demographic and disease-related factors associated with these disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study comparing 1000 epilepsy patients with 2500 controls.
- Clinical assessment and resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recording for all participants.
- ECG interpretation by experienced cardiologists using standard guidelines.
Main Results:
- Repolarization abnormalities were found in 14.2% of epilepsy patients.
- Corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation was significantly more frequent in epilepsy patients (8.4% vs. 2%, P<0.001).
- Older age and poor seizure control were associated with increased QTc prolongation risk in epilepsy patients.
Conclusions:
- Corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation is more prevalent in epilepsy patients, particularly the elderly and those with uncontrolled seizures.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening should be integrated into the diagnostic workup for epilepsy.
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