The incidence, predictors and outcomes of QTc prolongation in critically ill patients

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study the incidence, predictors and outcomes of QTc prolongation (≥500 ms) during ICU admission. METHODS: Prospective observational study of patients admitted to a tertiary ICU during a two-month period. We obtained daily data on QTc intervals and arrhythmias from ICU monitors. We performed univariate and multivariable analyses to compare patients who did or did not experience QTc prolongation. RESULTS: Of the 257 patients, 93 (36.2%) developed ≥1 episode of QTc ≥500 ms. Such patients had higher APACHE II scores (p < .001), received more QT-prolonging medications (p = .002), and more frequently developed non-sustained (<8 beats, p = .007) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (≥8..