Relationship of the T-wave Tpeak-Tend interval with conduction system disorders in arterial hypertension / Relación del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T con trastornos del sistema de conducción en hipertensión arterial

Abstract Purpose: The Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave has emerged as a new electrocardiographic marker of increased transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization. We aimed to determine the presence of cardiac conduction system disorders in patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who have altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave. Methods: The 67 patients with SAH were divided into two groups. Those with prolonged (≥ 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 21 (31%) patients were in the study group. Those with normal (< 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 46 (69%) patients were in the control group. Alteration of ventricular repolarization manifested as a prolongation of the Tpeak-Tend interval was detected by computerized electrocardiographic analysis tools. Results: The median value of QRS complex duration was significantly wider in the study group as compared to the control group (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater incidence of left anterior hemiblock in the study group (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). The median value of the QTc interval was significantly greater in the study group (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). There was a significantly greater incidence of patients with prolonged QTc interval in the study group (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). The median value of the Tpeak-Tend interval was significantly greater in the study group (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), as well as, the Tpeak-Tend/QTc ratio in the study group (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significantly greater ventricular repolarization disorders and abnormalities of the cardiac conduction system in SAH patients who possess altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave.

Resumen Objetivo: El intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T es un marcador electrocardiográfico de la dispersión transmural aumentada de la repolarización ventricular. Investigamos la presencia de trastornos del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con hipertensión arterial sistémica (HA) que poseen alterado el intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T. Métodos: Los 67 pacientes con HA fueron divididos en dos grupos. Aquellos con intervalos de Tpico-Tfinal prolongados (≥ 77 ms), 21 (31%) pacientes (grupo de estudio). Aquellos con intervalos normales (< 77 ms) Tpico-Tfinal, 46 (69%) pacientes (grupo control). Los intervalos Tpico-Tfinal fueron medidos por herramientas de análisis electrocardiográfico computarizado. Resultados: El valor mediano de la duración del complejo QRS fue significativamente más amplio en el grupo de estudio (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de hemibloqueo anterior izquierdo en el grupo de estudio (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). El valor mediano del intervalo QTc fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de pacientes con intervalo QTc prolongado en el grupo de estudio (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). El valor mediano del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), así como el cociente Tpico-Tfinal/QTc (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). Conclusión: Existe una alteración de la repolarización ventricular significativamente mayor y anomalías del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con HA que poseen alteración del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T.

Relationship of the T-wave Tpeak-Tend interval with conduction system disorders in arterial hypertension.

PURPOSE: The Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave has emerged as a new electrocardiographic marker of increased transmural dispersion of ventricular repolarization. We aimed to determine the presence of cardiac conduction system disorders in patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who have altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave. METHODS: The 67 patients with SAH were divided into two groups. Those with prolonged (≥ 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 21 (31%) patients were in the study group. Those with normal (< 77 ms) Tpeak-Tend intervals, 46 (69%) patients were in the control group. Alteration of ventricular repolarization manifested as a prolongation of the Tpeak-Tend interval was detected by computerized electrocardiographic analysis tools. RESULTS: The median value of QRS complex duration was significantly wider in the study group as compared to the control group (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). There was a significantly greater incidence of left anterior hemiblock in the study group (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). The median value of the QTc interval was significantly greater in the study group (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). There was a significantly greater incidence of patients with prolonged QTc interval in the study group (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). The median value of the Tpeak-Tend interval was significantly greater in the study group (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), as well as, the Tpeak-Tend/QTc ratio in the study group (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a significantly greater ventricular repolarization disorders and abnormalities of the cardiac conduction system in SAH patients who possess altered Tpeak-Tend interval of the T wave.

OBJETIVO: El intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T es un marcador electrocardiográfico de la dispersión transmural aumentada de la repolarización ventricular. Investigamos la presencia de trastornos del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con hipertensión arterial sistémica (HA) que poseen alterado el intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T. MÉTODOS: Los 67 pacientes con HA fueron divididos en dos grupos. Aquellos con intervalos de Tpico-Tfinal prolongados (≥ 77 ms), 21 (31%) pacientes (grupo de estudio). Aquellos con intervalos normales (< 77 ms) Tpico-Tfinal, 46 (69%) pacientes (grupo control). Los intervalos Tpico-Tfinal fueron medidos por herramientas de análisis electrocardiográfico computarizado. RESULTADOS: El valor mediano de la duración del complejo QRS fue significativamente más amplio en el grupo de estudio (110 ± 12 ms vs. 94 ± 8 ms p < 0.001). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de hemibloqueo anterior izquierdo en el grupo de estudio (14% vs. 0% p < 0.04). El valor mediano del intervalo QTc fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (440 ± 26 vs. 422 ± 15 p < 0.01). Hubo una incidencia significativamente mayor de pacientes con intervalo QTc prolongado en el grupo de estudio (33% vs. 11% p < 0.02). El valor mediano del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal fue significativamente mayor en el grupo de estudio (84 ± 5 ms vs. 65 ± 4 ms p < 0.001), así como el cociente Tpico-Tfinal/QTc (0.19 ± 0.1 vs. 0.16 ± 0.1 p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Existe una alteración de la repolarización ventricular significativamente mayor y anomalías del sistema de conducción cardíaca en pacientes con HA que poseen alteración del intervalo Tpico-Tfinal de la onda T.

CCL3/Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α Is Dually Involved in Parasite Persistence and Induction of a TNF- and IFNγ-Enriched Inflammatory Milieu in Trypanosoma cruzi-Induced Chronic Cardiomyopathy.

CCL3, a member of the CC-chemokine family, has been associated with macrophage recruitment to heart tissue and parasite control in the acute infection of mouse with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Here, we approached the participation of CCL3 in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the main clinical form of Chagas disease. We induced CCC in C57BL/6 (ccl3+/+) and CCL3-deficient (ccl3-/-) mice by infection with the Colombian Type I strain. In ccl3+/+ mice, high levels of CCL3 mRNA and protein were detected in the heart tissue during the acute and chronic infection. Survival was not affected by CCL3 deficiency. In comparison with ccl3+/+, chronically infected ccl3-/- mice presented reduced cardiac parasitism and inflammation due to CD8+ cells and macrophages. Leukocytosis was decreased in infected ccl3-/- mice, paralleling the accumulation of CD8+ T cells devoid of activated CCR5+ LFA-1+ cells in the spleen. Further, T. cruzi-infected ccl3-/-mice presented reduced frequency of interferon-gamma (IFNγ)+ cells and numbers of parasite-specific IFNγ-producing cells, while the T. cruzi antigen-specific cytotoxic activity was increased. Stimulation of CCL3-deficient macrophages with IFNγ improved parasite control, in a milieu with reduced nitric oxide (NOx) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), but similar interleukin-10 (IL-10), concentrations. In comparison with chronically T. cruzi-infected ccl3+/+ counterparts, ccl3-/- mice did not show enlarged heart, loss of left ventricular ejection fraction, QTc prolongation and elevated CK-MB activity. Compared with ccl3+/+, infected ccl3-/- mice showed reduced concentrations of TNF, while IL-10 levels were not affected, in the heart milieu. In spleen of ccl3+/+ NI controls, most of the CD8+ T-cells expressing the CCL3 receptors CCR1 or CCR5 were IL-10+, while in infected mice these cells were mainly TNF+. Lastly, selective blockage of CCR1/CCR5 (Met-RANTES therapy) in chronically infected ccl3+/+ mice reversed pivotal electrical abnormalities (bradycardia, prolonged PR, and QTc interval), in correlation with reduced TNF and, mainly, CCL3 levels in the heart tissue. Therefore, in the chronic T. cruzi infection CCL3 takes part in parasite persistence and contributes to form a CD8+ T-cell and macrophage-enriched cardiac inflammation. Further, increased levels of CCL3 create a scenario with abundant IFNγ and TNF, associated with cardiomyocyte injury, heart dysfunction and QTc prolongation, biomarkers of severity of Chagas' heart disease.

Cambios electrocardiográficos en pacientes con VIH con y sin inhibidores de proteasa vs NNRTI / Differences in electrocardiographic changes in HIV patients with and without treatment with protease inhibitors vs NNRTI

Resumen ANTECEDENTES La infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) incrementa la prevalencia de prolongación del intervalo QT corregido (QTc), lo que es un factor independiente de eventos de enfermedad cardiovascular en esta población. En la bibliografía mundial se asocia este cambio con la administración de los antirretrovirales inhibidores de proteasa y efavirenz. Sin embargo, no se conocen datos de estos cambios en la población mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO Estudio prospectivo observacional en el que se seleccionaron expedientes de marzo de 2015 a mayo de 2016 de la consulta externa del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER); se dividieron en dos grupos: sin tratamiento, por reciente diagnóstico, y con tratamiento antirretroviral. Se registraron datos clínicos, tratamiento farmacológico, electrocardiograma y química sanguínea. RESULTADOS No se encontraron diferencias entre ambos grupos respecto a edad ni electrólitos séricos. Tampoco se encontró relación entre la prolongación del QTc con efavirenz o los inhibidores de proteasa. Raltegravir disminuyó la duración del QTc (p = 0.001) mientras que la coinfección por molusco contagioso se asoció con prolongación del QTc (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIÓN En nuestro estudio no logramos demostrar en población mexicana relación de la prolongación del QTc con los antirretrovirales de primera ni segunda línea. Se requieren más estudios para determinar la importancia clínica del efecto de raltegravir y molusco contagioso en el QTc.

Abstract BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the prevalence of QTc prolongation (QTc), which is an independent factor of cardiovascular disease events in this population. In the world literature this change is associated with the use of the protease inhibitors and efavirenz antiretrovirals. However, no data are available on these changes in the Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHOD A prospective observational study was done selecting records from March 2015 to May 2016 of the external consultation of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), Mexico City; they were divided into two groups, those without treatment, because recent diagnosis, and with antiretroviral treatment. We recorded clinical data, pharmacological treatment, electrocardiogram and blood chemistry. RESULTS We found no differences between the two groups regarding age or serum electrolytes. We found no association between QTc prolongation and efavirenz or protease inhibitors. Raltegravir decreased QTc duration (p = 0.001) while molluscum contagiosum coinfection was associated with QTc prolongation (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION In our study, we failed to demonstrate in Mexican population association of QTc prolongation with first- and second-line antiretrovirals. More studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of the effect of raltegravir and molluscum contagiosum on QTc.

Safety Limits of Antidepressant Use Plus Combinations: Focus on Cardiovascular Function.

BACKGROUND: Antidepressants have been widely prescribed for depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and in the management of behavioural symptoms of adult-old patients. Although generally safe, newer generation antidepressants are not devoid of the risk of inducing clinically relevant adverse events. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between newer generation antidepressants and the occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. METHOD: Studies were included in the review according to the following criteria: a) clinical trials (placebo-controlled or not) or case reports; b) short- or long-term interventions with antidepressants; c) prescription of newer generation antidepressants as first-line treatment; d) samples of adult or adult-old patients. From a total of 301 articles addressing the association between antidepressants and cardiovascular adverse events as primary or secondary outcomes, we selected 30 controlled clinical trials and 10 case reports. RESULTS: In most clinical studies, the effects of antidepressants on cardiac function are usually computed as secondary outcome variables, however with limited information. Conversely, case reports tend to present more comprehensive sets of clinical and laboratorial parameters, but the generalization of such data is limited by the small number of observations. The occurrence of QTc prolongation (with increased risk of torsade de pointes) has been reported. Aging, higher dosages of antidepressants, drug interaction, and pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities were found as risk factors for the aforementioned cardiovascular and ECG abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Prescribing antidepressants requires caution given their potential impact on cardiac function, and the clinician should carefully monitor cardiovascular and ECG parameters particularly in cases with underlying heart disease.

Intervalo QTc prolongado y taquicardia ventricular polimórfica ligada a hemorragia subaracnoidea / QTc interval prolongation and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia related to subarachnoid hemorrhage

Mujer de 55 años trasladada al hospital luego de recuperarse de un episodio presincopal. El electrocardiograma mostró bradicardia sinusal con intervalo QT corregido de 840 mseg. Pocos minutos después la paciente presenta episodio de taquicardia ventricular polimórfica y posterior paro cardiorrespiratorio que requirió maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar avanzada que fueron efectivas. A la semana presentó cefalea intensa y convulsiones con movimientos de descerebración. La tomografía axial computarizada de cerebro mostró hemorragia subaracnoidea con hipertensión intracraneal que requirió craniectomía descompresiva. Durante la internación todos los electrocardiogramas evidenciaron el QT corregido prolongado, pero la paciente no presentó un nuevo evento arrítmico. La paciente evolucionó desfavorablemente requiriendo fármacos vasoactivos en dosis máximas. Falleció a los 13 días de su admisión.

A 55-yr-old woman was taken to the hospital after recovering from a presyncopal episode. The electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia with QTc interval of 840 msec. Few minutes later, the patient developed a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and subsequent cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A week later she presented with severe headache, seizures and decerebrate movements. Cranial computed tomography scan showed subarachnoid hemorrhage with intracranial hypertension requiring decompressive craniectomy. On the follow- up the electrocardiograms always showed prolonged QTc interval, without any new arrhythmic event. The patient's clinical course was unfavorable and required maximum dose of vasoactive drugs. She died 13 days after admission.

Adverse Effects and Toxicity of the Atypical Antipsychotics: What is Important for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practitioner.

Medications are being used with greater frequency to address pediatric mental health problems, and in recent years atypical antipsychotic (AAP) prescriptions have increased more than any other class. Acute care practitioners must be aware of the pharmacology of AAPs and the conditions, on- and off-label, for which they are prescribed. This involves identifying and managing side effects that manifest both mentally and physically. Although "atypicality" confers a lower risk of movement side effects compared to conventional agents, children are more sensitive than adults to extrapyramidal reactions. Like adults, they also may present with toxic sedation, confusion, cardiovascular dysfunction, and metabolic derangements. Evaluation and management of these toxicities requires an index of suspicion, a careful symptom and medication history, physical examination, and targeted interventions. This review is designed to orient the emergency practitioner to the challenging task of recognizing and treating adverse effects related to acute and chronic atypical antipsychotic exposure in children.