QTc interval in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia receiving different defined daily dose (DDD) of antipsychotics

Abstract

Introduction

Both 1st and 2nd generation of antipsychotics are associated with prolonged QTc interval. Prolonged QTc can lead to ventricular tachycardia and Torsade's de pointes, ultimatime resulting to cardiac arrest and sudden death. Prolonged QTc interval due to increased DDD has not yet been investigated.

Objective

To investigate whether increased DDD of antipsychotics, causes further prolonged QTc, by patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Aims

To learn more about antipsychotics impact on the QTc interval in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Methods

An observational study of unselected patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Enrolled from January 2013 through March 2015 with follow-up until June 2015 in the region of central Denmark. Data was collected from ECG records and patient journals.

Result

ECGs were available in 58 patients. We observed no relation between increased DDD of antipsychotics and prolonged QTc. There were no differences in average QTc interval for the whole sample of patients receiving different DDD of antipsychotics.

Conclusion

We do not recommend increased attention to patients treated with higher DDD of antipsychotics.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.