[Clinical characteristics and outcome of 32 patients with long-QT syndrome accompanied with torsade de pointes].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with long-QT syndrome (LQTs) accompanied with torsade de pointes. METHODS: Thirty-two eligible patients were included in this study. Clinical and electrocardiographic data were analyzed and telephone or out-patient follow-up were made in all patients. RESULTS: There were 15 patients with inherited LQTs (h-LQTs) and 17 patients with acquired LQTs (a-LQTs). There are more women (n = 24) than men (n = 8). ß blockers, potassium and magnesium supplement were the basic therapy for h-LQTs patients, bivent pacemaker was implanted in 2 patients and implantable cardioverter defibrillator was implanted in 5 patients. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias and syncope occurred in 4 patients during (39.4 ± 25.1) months follow-up. In 17 a-LQTs patients, one patient with dilated cardiomyopathy died suddenly and another patient with implanted cardioverter defibrillator experienced one ventricular tachycardia during (30.9 ± 13.3) months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis in h-LQTs and a-LQTs patients with structure heart disease is poor. ICD or CRT-D therapy is suggestive for a-LQTs patients with structure heart disease.