scholarly journals The Prevalence, Risk Factors and Clinical Correlates of QTc Prolongation in Chinese Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Cao ◽  
Yongjie Zhou ◽  
Tao Li ◽  
Weiliang Yang ◽  
Siying Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Clinical Correlates ◽  
Normal Controls

Background: The QTc interval may be significantly prolonged in schizophrenia patients taking antipsychotics. Few studies have addressed QTc prolongation (QTP) in Chinese patients.Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of QTP and its clinical correlates in Chinese hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia.Methods: A total of 436 inpatients and 291 normal controls matched with age and sex were included. QTc prolongation was defined as 2 standard deviations (SD) above the mean value of normal controls. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and its five-factor model were used to evaluate psychopathological symptoms.Results: QTc interval was significantly longer in patients than in normal controls. The prevalence of QTP is 8.26% in Chinese hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia. More women than men displayed QTP. Compared with patients without QTP, the patients with QTP had significantly higher concrete/disorganized subscore, lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) and lower total protein (TP). Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher number of hospitalizations, higher concrete/disorganized subscore and lower LDL were risk factors for QTP. Correlation analysis indicated significant association between QTc interval and the following variables: sex, age, duration of illness, the number of hospitalizations, PANSS total score, fasting blood glucose (FPG). Finally, a multiple regression analysis showed that older age, antipsychotic polypharmacy, higher PANSS total score, and lower LDL were risk factors for QTP. Among them, LDL seemed to be a protective factor for QTP.Conclusions: QTc interval was longer in schizophrenia patients than in normal controls. The prevalence of QTP is 8.26% in Chinese hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia. Some clinical characteristics were risk factors for QTP. And LDL seemed to be a protective factor for QTP.

scholarly journals Risk of QTc Interval Prolongation Associated With Circulating Anti‐Ro/SSA Antibodies Among US Veterans: An Observational Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Enea Lazzerini ◽  
Gabriele Cevenini ◽  
Yongxia Sarah Qu ◽  
Frank Fabris ◽  
Nabil El‐Sherif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Observational Cohort Study ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
Us Veterans

Background Anti‐Sjögren's syndrome‐related antigen A‐antibodies (anti‐Ro/SSA‐antibodies) are responsible for a novel form of acquired long‐QT syndrome, owing to autoimmune‐mediated inhibition of cardiac human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene‐potassium channels. However, current evidence derives only from basic mechanistic studies and relatively small sample‐size clinical investigations. Hence, the aim of our study is to estimate the risk of QTc prolongation associated with the presence of anti‐Ro/SSA‐antibodies in a large population of unselected subjects. Methods and Results This is a retrospective observational cohort study using the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure. Participants were veterans who were tested for anti‐Ro/SSA status and had an ECG. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for heart rate‐corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation. The study population consisted of 7339 subjects (61.4±12.2 years), 612 of whom were anti‐Ro/SSA‐positive (8.3%). Subjects who were anti‐Ro/SSA‐positive showed an increased prevalence of QTc prolongation, in the presence of other concomitant risk factors (crude odds ratios [OR], 1.67 [1.26–2.21] for QTc >470/480 ms; 2.32 [1.54–3.49] for QTc >490 ms; 2.77 [1.66–4.60] for QTc >500 ms), independent of a connective tissue disease history. Adjustments for age, sex, electrolytes, cardiovascular risk factors/diseases, and medications gradually attenuated QTc prolongation estimates, particularly when QT‐prolonging drugs were added to the model. Nevertheless, stepwise‐fully adjusted OR for the higher cutoffs remained significantly increased in anti‐Ro/SSA‐positive subjects, particularly for QTc >500 ms (2.27 [1.34–3.87]). Conclusions Anti‐Ro/SSA‐antibody positivity was independently associated with an increased risk of marked QTc prolongation in a large cohort of US veterans. Our data suggest that within the general population individuals who are anti‐Ro/SSA‐positive may represent a subgroup of patients particularly predisposed to ventricular arrhythmias/sudden cardiac death.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors of prolonged corrected QT interval in general Chinese population

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qun Ma ◽  
Zhao Li ◽  
Xiaofan Guo ◽  
Liang Guo ◽  
Shasha Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Liaoning Province ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Specific Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
General Chinese Population

Abstract Background Corrected QT (QTc) interval has been correlated with total and CVD mortality. Although much is known about the relation between prolonged QTc interval and clinical outcome, there is no information on the prevalence and specific risk factors of QTc prolongation in general Chinese population. We evaluated the prevalence of prolonged QTc interval and its risk factors in general Chinese population, aiming to fill in the gaps in the literature and provide evidence for potential CVD risk prediction and disease burden estimate in community. Methods A population-based survey was conducted on 11,209 participants over the age of 35 in rural areas of Liaoning Province from 2012 to 2013. Twelve-lead ECGs and automatic analysis were performed on all participants. Logistic regression adjustments were made by using the Bazett’s formula to correlate specific risk factors with prolonged QTc intervals (> 440 ms) for potential confounders. Results The overall prevalence of prolonged QTc interval was 31.6%. The prevalence increased significantly with age (24.1% among those aged 35–44 years; 28.3%, 45–54 years; 35.2%, 55–64 years; 43.4%, ≥65 years, P < 0.001). Participants with a history of CVD had a higher prevalence of QTc prolongation (40.7% vs. 30.0%). In the fully adjusted logistic regress model, older age, abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypokalemia and any medicine used in the past two weeks were associated independently with increased risk for prolonged QTc interval (All P < 0.05). We found no significant differences between general obesity, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia with prolongation of QTc interval. Female sex showed opposite results after applying clinical diagnostic criteria, and high physical activity could reduce the risk of prolonged QTc interval. Conclusions The prevalence of prolonged QTc interval was relatively high in general Chinese population and listed relevant factors, which would help identify patients at risk in pre-clinical prevention and provide evidence for estimating potential CVD burden and making management strategies in community.

scholarly journals Multiple Factor Analysis of Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Chuanqiang Qu ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhao ◽  
Qinjian Sun ◽  
Yifeng Du
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Arterial Stenosis ◽  
Intracranial Arterial Stenosis ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Objective To discuss the correlation among intracranial arterial stenosis and its risk factors. Methods A total of 486 patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic cerebral infarction were examined using color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and transcranial doppler ultrosonography (TCD). According to the degrees of extracranial arterial stenosis, patients with mild-to-moderate extracranial stenosis were classified into group A (435 cases) while those with constant severe stenosis or occlusion were classified into group B (51 cases). The differences between the two groups of risk factors were compared, and the multi-factor logistic regression analysis of risk factors associated with moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis was performed. Results ① The risk factors that were significantly associated with intracranial arterial stenosis included age (P = 0.034) and gender (P = 0.044). ② Intracranial artery stenosis was observed in both anterior and posterior cerebral arteries in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease respectively (P < 0.05). ③ Compared with group A, patients in group B were older (P = 0.000), with a higher proportion of men (P = 0.037), and the intracranial arterial stenosis degrees were significantly higher (P = 0.013). ④ Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes is a risk factor for moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis (P < 0.05), and hyperlipidemia is a protective factor (P = 0.012). Conclusions Age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and smoking are risk factors for the distribution of intracranial arterial stenosis. The degrees of intracranial arterial stenosis are related with extracranial arterial stenosis. Diabetes is a risk factor for moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis while hyperlipidemia is a protective factor.

Eleven years of children methadone poisoning in a referral center: A review of 453 cases

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam, MD, FACMT ◽  
Masumeh Hakiminejhad, MD ◽  
Fariba Farnaghi, MD ◽  
Amirhossein Mirafzal, MD ◽  
Nasim Zamani, MD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Alanine Transaminase ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Great Caution

Objectives: Methadone can be fatal due to respiratory failure even in little doses. This study aimed to evaluate the possible risk factors of death and/or intubation in methadone-poisoned children of 12 years or younger. Design: Retrospective routine database study.Setting: The only tertiary hospital for children poisoning in Tehran.Patients: Four hundred fifty-three methadone-poisoned patients aged 12 or younger were studied between 2001 and 2012.Main Outcome Measures: In-hospital mortality and intubation/mechanical ventilation.Results: Of a total of 475 children included, 22 were excluded due to coingestion of other drugs. Three (0.66 percent) expired and 12 (2.65 percent) were intubated during the course of hospital stay. Intubation (p < 0.001), fever (T axillary ≥ 37.5 °C, p = 0.01), being unresponsive at presentation (p = 0.02), tachycardia (p = 0.01), acidosis (p = 0.03), leukocytosis (p = 0.02), and longer hospital stay (p = 0.01) associated with death. Mortality (p < 0.001), fever (p = 0.004), aspartate aminotransferase (AST; p = 0.006), alanine transaminase (p = 0.04), creatinine (p = 0.005), corrected QT (QTc) interval in triage electrocardiogram (p = 0.02), and longer hospital stay (p = 0.005) associated with intubation in univariate analysis. However, after running regression analysis, only fever, QTc ≥ 480 ms, tachycardia, and AST independently associated with intubation and death. Axillary T ≥ 37.45 °C with an accuracy of 91.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 88.8-94.2) and odds ratio of 9.3 (95% CI 2.5-34.9) predicted intubation, and T ≥ 37.75 with an accuracy of 96.0 (95% CI 93.5-97.5) and odds ratio of 47.4 (95% CI 4.1-550.1) predicted death. Conclusion: A methadone-poisoned child presenting with tachycardia, fever, abnormal AST, or an initial prolonged QTc interval should be managed with great caution.

Prevalence and risk factors of acquired long QT syndrome in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Liu ◽  
Dan Han ◽  
Xuanzi Sun ◽  
Hui Tan ◽  
Zhigang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Function ◽  
Serum Potassium ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Long Qt ◽  
Acquired Long Qt Syndrome ◽  
Qt Syndrome

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of fatal arrhythmias. The extended severe corrected QT (QTc) interval is a hallmark of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of acquired long QT syndrome (aLQTS) in hospitalized patients with CKD and search for potential risk factors to improve clinical risk stratification in patients with CKD. Information about patients with CKD was retrospectively collected in our hospital between January 2013 and June 2017. The prevalence of aLQTS in different stages of CKD was evaluated. The common risk factors for QTc prolongation in patients with CKD were compiled, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate how each factor was related to aLQTS in CKD. A total of 804 patients with CKD (299 females, 37.2%) participated in our study. The prevalence of aLQTS among all 804 patients was 56.97%, and the prevalence of QTc prolongation (>500 ms) was 10.07%. Among the elderly, impaired kidney function, hemodialysis, low serum potassium and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were associated with QTc prolongation in patients with CKD. The prevalence of aLQTS is much higher and increases with the decline of kidney function in hospitalized patients with CKD, which is related to older age, impaired kidney function, hemodialysis, serum potassium and low LVEF.

P2534Prevalence and risk factors of acquired LQTS among pregnancy: a single-center study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Han ◽  
C F Sun ◽  
G L Li
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Twin Pregnancy ◽  
Gestational Hypertension ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Prolonged QT intervals have been observed in pregnant women, especially those with twin pregnancy, which predisposes them to a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Purpose To evaluate the prevalence of acquired long QT syndrome (aLQTS) in hospitalized parturient women with single and twin pregnancy and search for potential risk factors. Methods Information about age-matched parturient women with single and twin pregnancy were retrospectively collected in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2018. The prevalence of aLQTS was evaluated. The common risk factors for corrected QT (QTc) prolongation were compiled, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate how each factor was related to aLQTS in such population. Results Totally 293 parturient women (147 twin pregnancy, 50.17%) were included. The prevalence of aLQTS was 72.70% in all cases, 53.15% in the single pregnancy, 93.20% in the twin pregnancy. The proportion of severely prolonged QTc was 36.18% in all cases, 8.22% in the single pregnancy and 63.95% in the twin pregnancy. The QTc interval was much longer in the twin pregnancy than in the single pregnancy with significant difference. Differences in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, serum uric acid, fetal weight, QRS, RV5+SV1, Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT have been revealed to be statistically significant between the QTc-prolongation group and the QTc-normal group. The incidence of gestational hypertension and twin pregnancy in the QTc-prolongation group were more prevalent than in the QTc-normal group with significant difference. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, gestational hypertension, twin pregnancy, increase of diastolic blood pressure, high total cholesterol, high serum uric acid, and heavy fetal weight were identified to be associated with QTc prolongation in parturient women. Table 1. Risk factors significantly correlated with QTc prolongation in parturient women Index P value OR (95% CI) DBP (mmHg) 0.033* 1.052 (1.004 to 1.101) TC (mmol/L) 0.001** 1.442 (1.165 to 1.785) UA (μmol/L) 0.007** 1.004 (1.001 to 1.008) Fetal weight (g) <0.001** 1.001 (1.001 to 1.001) Hypertention (%) 0.029* 2.561 (1.099 to 5.967) Twin (%) <0.001** 12.618 (6.145 to 25.909) Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to evaluate the prevalence of aLQTS between single and twin pregnancy. The prevalence of aLQTS is much higher in the parturient women, particularly in twin pregnancy.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Residual Stenosis After Carotid Artery Stenting

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunlu Tao ◽  
Yang Hua ◽  
Lingyun Jia ◽  
Liqun Jiao ◽  
Beibei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Carotid Artery Stenting ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Expansion Rate ◽  
Carotid Artery Plaque ◽  
Residual Stenosis

Background and purpose: Stent residual stenosis is an independent risk factor for restenosis after stenting. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing residual stenosis after carotid artery stenting (CAS).Methods: A total of 570 patients who underwent CAS with 159 closed-loop stents (CLS) and 411 open-loop stents (OLS) from January 2013 to January 2016 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Carotid stenosis location in the common carotid artery or in internal carotid artery, plaque size, and features (regular or irregular morphology; with or without calcification), degree of carotid artery stenosis, and stent expansion rate were detected by carotid duplex ultrasonography. Residual stenosis was defined as a stenosis rate ≥30% after CAS, as detected by digital subtraction angiography. A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze residual stenosis risk factors.Results: The overall incidence of residual stenosis was 22.8% (130/570 stents). The incidence of residual stenosis in the CLS group was higher than that in the OLS group (29.5 vs. 20.2%, χ2 = 5.71, P = 0.017). The logistic regression analysis showed that CLS [odds ratio (OR), 1.933; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.009–3.702], irregular plaques (OR, 4.237; 95% CI, 2.391–7.742), and plaques with calcification (OR, 2.370; 95% CI, 1.337–4.199) were independent risk factors for residual stenosis after CAS. In addition, a high radial expansion rate of stent was a protective factor for residual stenosis (OR, 0.171; 95% CI, 0.123–0.238). The stenosis location and stent length did not impact the occurrence of residual stenosis. After 1-year follow-up, the incidence of restenosis in the residual stenosis group was higher than that in the group without residual stenosis (13.1 vs. 2.0%, χ2 = 28.05, P &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that plaque morphology, echo characteristics (with calcification), and stents type influence residual stenosis.

Risk Factors and Prevalence of QTc Prolongation in Adult Burn Patients Receiving Methadone

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 416-420
Author(s):  
Todd A Walroth ◽  
Allison N Boyd ◽  
Allison M Hester ◽  
Marilyn K Schoenle ◽  
Brett C Hartman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Total Daily Dose ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Cardiac Outcomes ◽  
Monitoring Strategies

Abstract Methadone is an opioid commonly used for acute pain management in burn patients. One adverse effect of methadone is QTc interval prolongation, which may be associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. There is currently a paucity of data regarding risk of QTc prolongation in burn patients taking methadone and a lack of evidence-based recommendations for monitoring strategies in this population. The study objective was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and cardiac outcomes related to methadone-associated QTc prolongation in adult burn patients. A total of 91 patients were included and were divided into groups according to maximum QTc. QTc prolongation was defined as greater than or equal to 470 ms (males) or 480 ms (females). There were no differences between groups regarding patient-specific risk factors, baseline QTc, or time to longest QTc. Patients in the prolonged QTc group had a higher rate of cardiac events (44% vs 9%; P &lt; .001), higher median (IQR) change from baseline to longest QTc (61 ms [18,88] vs 23 ms [13,38]; P &lt; .001), higher median (IQR) total daily dose of methadone (90 mg [53,98] vs 53 mg [30,75]; P = .004), and longer median (IQR) length of stay (53 [33,82] vs 35 [26,52] days; P = .008). QTc prolongation in burn patients was associated with increased methadone dose and resulted in a higher rate of cardiac events. This study was the first of its kind to look at risk factors and cardiac outcomes associated with methadone use in burn patients.

scholarly journals Effect of Hydroxychloroquine on QTc in Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Angelos Arfaras-Melainis ◽  
Andreas Tzoumas ◽  
Damianos G. Kokkinidis ◽  
Maria Salgado Guerrero ◽  
Dimitrios Varrias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Effect Model

Background: Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine with or without the concomitant use of azithromycin have been widely used to treat patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on early in vitro studies, despite their potential to prolong the QTc interval of patients. Objective: This is a systematic review and metanalysis designed to assess the effect of hydroxychloroquine with or without the addition of azithromycin on the QTc of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and MedRxiv databases were reviewed. A random effect model meta-analysis was used, and I-square was used to assess the heterogeneity. The prespecified endpoints were ΔQTc, QTc prolongation > 500 ms and ΔQTc > 60 ms. Results: A total of 18 studies and 7179 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The use of hydroxychloroquine with or without the addition of azithromycin was associated with increased QTc when used as part of the management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The combination therapy with hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin was also associated with statistically significant increases in QTc. Moreover, the use of hydroxychloroquine alone, azithromycin alone, or the combination of the two was associated with increased numbers of patients that developed QTc prolongation > 500 ms. Conclusion: This systematic review and metanalysis revealed that the use of hydroxychloroquine alone or in conjunction with azithromycin was linked to an increase in the QTc interval of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection that received these agents.

scholarly journals Multiple logistic regression analysis of risk factors in elderly pneumonia patients: QTc interval prolongation as a prognostic factor

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuyuki Taooka ◽  
Gen Takezawa ◽  
Miki Ohe ◽  
Takeshi Isobe
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Past History ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression ◽  
Interval Prolongation ◽  
Qtc Interval Prolongation ◽  
History Of

Background: Acute pneumonia is a serious problem in the elderly and various risk factors have already been reported, but the involvement of QTc interval prolongation remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to elucidate the prognostic factors for the development of pneumonia in elderly patients and to study the possible involvement of QTc interval prolongation. Methods: The subjects were 249 hospitalized pneumonia patients more than 65 years old in Aki-Ohta Hospital from January 2010 to December 2013. Community-acquired pneumonia patients and nursing care and healthcare-associated pneumonia patients were included in the study. The pneumonia severity index, vital signs, blood chemistry data and ECG findings were retrospectively compared using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: 39 patients died within 30 days from onset. The clinical features related to poor prognosis were: advanced age, past history of cerebral vascular disease and/or diabetes mellitus, decreased serum albumin level, higher CURB-65 or PORT index scores and QTc interval prolongation. Patients showing a prolonged QTc interval had a higher mortality than those with a normal QTc interval. A prolonged QTc interval was not related to serum calcium concentration and/or treatment with QTc prolongation drug, clarithromycin or azithromycin, but related to age, lower albumin concentration and past history of diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: These findings suggest potential prognostic factors for pneumonia in elderly patients, including a prolonged QTc interval (> 0.44 seconds).

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