QT prolongation

what is this QT interval actually?

  • represents time for ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation
  • inversely proportional to heart rate (i.e. shortens with higher HR)
  • prolonged QT → risk of Torsades

electrolytes

genetic causes

  • LQT1/LQT2 (K channel mutation); LQT3 (Na channel mutation)
  • Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (associated with deafness)

other causes

  • myocardial ischaemia
  • post-ROSC

drugs: so many

Antiarrhythmics, ironically
flecainide
procainamide
Amiodarone
Atenolol

Antimicrobials
Erythromycin
Clarithromycin
Ciproflaxacin
Moxifloxacin
Fluconazole
Ketoconazole

Antipsychotics (all have some risk)
Risperidone
Haloperidol
Chlorpromazine
Quetiapine
Clozapine

Antidepressants
Citalopram
Fluoxetine
Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Imipramine, Lofepramine - Tricyclic antidepressants
Dosulepin
Doxepin

Antiemetics
Domperidone
Droperidol
Ondansetron
Granisetron

Others

  • Chloroquine
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Quinine
  • Macrolides: Erythromycin; Clarithromycin
  • Adrenaline

generic management

  • treat underlying cause
  • beta blockade
  • avoid sympathetic surge
  • pacing
  • ICD