QTc interval prolongation and cirrhosis severity in non-alcoholic patients

Introduction: Chronic liver disease is a major health problem and important causes of mortality and morbidity. Cirrhosis is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities. QT interval prolongation is one of the electrophysiological indicators of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. So in this study we evaluated the QTc interval prolongation and cirrhosis severity in non-alcoholic patients admitted in Razi hospital in Rasht during 2011-2012. Material & methods: This survey was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study. A 12-lead surface ECG and echocardiographic study was obtained from all subjects. A 12-lead electrocardiogram recorded at 50 mm/second to measure the QT interval. The mean QT interval in every 12 leads was documented for each patient. The QT corrected for RR (QTc) was calculated. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed by Chi-square, ANOVA, Linear regression test and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The mean of age was 52.78±15.2. Sixty-three persons were male, and others were female. The most common cause of cirrhosis in our study population was Hepatitis C virus. Prolonged QTc interval was seen in 48% of subjects. There was no significant correlation between age and mean of laboratory data and QTc prolongation (P>0.05). There was no significant correlation between causes of cirrhosis and QTc prolongation (P>0.05). There was significant correlation between severity of cirrhosis and QTc (P=0.020). Conclusion: Majority of patients with cirrhosis showed QTc interval prolongation, which related significantly with worsening the severity of the disease, regardless of the etiology of cirrhosis.