Evaluation of index of cardiac-electrophysiological balance before and after hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac deaths are the most common cause of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Index of cardiac-electrophysiological balance (iCEB) (QT/QRS) may predict malignant ventricular arrhythmias. In this study, we investigated whether iCEB value is increased in ESRD patients and whether it changes before and after hemodialysis.

METHODS

The study included 52 ESRD patients and 53 control subjects matched for age and comorbidities. Biochemical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic values of all participants were recorded. QRS, QT, Tp-e were measured manually. QTC was calculated using Bazett's formula. Then, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, QT/QRS, and QTc/QRS ratios were calculated. The changes in ECG parameters of the ESRD patients before and after HD were compared using paired t-test.

RESULTS

Mean age and male sex ratio was comparable in both groups (p = 0.448 and p = 0.777, respectively). Comorbidity incidences, and biochemical parameters except eGFR (p < 0.001), albumin (p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (p = 0.03) and platelet counts (p < 0.001) were comparable in both groups. Compared to the control group, QT, QTc, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, QT/QRS, and QTc/QRS ratios were higher in the ESRD group (p < 0.05 for each). While QT and QTc intervals did not change after HD in ESRD patients, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, QT/QRS, and QTc/QRS parameters increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

In addition to ventricular repolarization dispersion indices in ESRD patients, iCEB elevation and increasing values after HD session indicate the increased risk of TdP-mediated ventricular arrhythmia after HD. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results.

The Possible Effects of Dapagliflozin on 12-derived Electrocardiogram in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Dapagliflozin, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, has potential side effects on electrolyte imbalance as it has diuretic effects which include decreasing glucose reabsorption, increasing glucosuria and natriuresis. We aimed to determine the possible effects of dapagliflozin on electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with type 2 DM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study consisted of 49 patients (25 female, 24 male). Patients who had inadequate glycemic control besides using several oral antidiabetics, subsequently endorsed with dapagliflozin, were included in the current study.

RESULTS

Meantime interval from treatment initiation to control was 10.5 ± 5.03 weeks. Body mass index, glucose, HbA1C, eGFR, LDL-C, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found to be significantly lower at control admission (p<0.05). Creatinine and QT interval were significantly higher at control admission (p<0.05). Baseline Tpe duration and baseline Tpe/QT ratio were found to be significantly correlated with Tpe/QT difference (p<0.05). In linear regression analysis, baseline Tpe/QT ratio was found to be the sole independent predictor of Tpe/QT difference (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Initiation of dapagliflozin treatment seems to be safe, up to several months, in terms of serum electrolytes and ECG findings in patients with type 2 DM with a probable improvement.