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Does Abnormal QT Interval Prolongation Reflect Autonomic Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients? QTc Interval Measure Versus Standardized Tests in Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
Author(s) -
Veglio M.,
Chinaglia A.,
Borra M.,
Perin P. Cavallo
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-5491.1995.tb00481.x
Subject(s) - medicine , qt interval , cardiology , autonomic neuropathy , heart rate , electrocardiography , diabetes mellitus , blood pressure , prolongation , anesthesia , endocrinology , biology , genetics , cell culture , neuroblastoma
The question as to whether the QTc interval correlates with five cardiovascular tests (deep breathing test, 30/15 ratio test, lying to standing test, cough test, and postural blood pressure test) for the diagnosis of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) was investigated in 168 (38 Type 1, 130 Type 2) consecutive outpatients (mean age 54.9 ± 11.2 years). QT interval was measured on an ECG recorded at rest and QTc calculated according to Bazett's formula. The percentage of patients with a QTc greater than 0.440 s was: absent DAN = 11% ( n = 7), probable DAN = 7% ( n = 4), definite DAN = 23% ( n = 12) ( p < 0.05), and the mean (± SD) QTc values were 0.403 ± 0.028 s, 0.405 ± 0.023 s, and 0.421 ± 0.026 s, respectively. A significant correlation between QTc duration and DAN score of autonomic cardiovascular test results ( r = 0.34, p < 0.0001) was observed. The calculated specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values were 89%, 15%, 70% and 37%, respectively. In conclusion, QTc can be considered as an additional specific test in the assessment of diabetic autonomic neuropathy, but cannot replace the standard battery of cardiovascular tests.