Assessment of Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with human immunodeficiency virus

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) plays an important part in all-cause mortality in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The T-peak to T-end (Tp-e) interval, corrected Tp-e (Tp-ec) interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio on the ECG are parameters used to stratify risk for SCD. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences between HIV-infected patients and healthy individuals in terms of Tp-e interval, Tp-ec interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio, as well as other influencing factors.

Ninety-eight HIV-infected patients and 62 healthy controls were included in this prospective case-control study. Tp-e interval, Tp-ec interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio were measured in all participants. Echocardiographic examination and routine laboratory analysis were performed. In addition, CD4 T-cell count and HIV RNA levels were assessed in HIV-infected patients.

All baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. The median survival of those living with HIV was 20.63 months; 53% of them had controlled viral load, and 74% were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Mean baseline CD4 T-cell count was 409. In HIV-infected patients, the Tp-e interval and Tp-ec interval were prolonged, and the Tp-e/QT ratio was higher (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.021, respectively). In bivariate and partial correlation analyses, there was a negative correlation between CD4 T-cell level and Tp-e interval, Tp-ec interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio.

Tp-e interval, Tp-ec interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio were greater in HIV-infected patients compared with healthy individuals. HIV-infected patients, particularly those with low baseline CD4 T-cell counts, should be closely monitored due to risk of SCD.