Ajeet Kumar, Syeda Urooj Riaz, Rajesh, Syed Hussain Mehdi Kazmi, Rajesh Kumar, Muhammad Ishaq Ghauri.
Prolongation of QT Interval in ECG: a Hidden Complication of Cirrhotic Liver Disease.
Ann Abbasi Shaheed Hosp Karachi Med Dent Coll Jan ;24(1):20-4.

Objective: To determine frequency of QT interval prolongation in ECG of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A total of 60 patients with cirrhosis were included in this study. Clinical examination to see the presence of ascites, liver span and encephalopathy, and related investigation such as liver function tests, serum albumin, prothrombin time and ultrasound abdomen for portal vein size was done and they were labelled as suffering from cirrhotic liver disease. Two 12 lead ECG was done >5 minutes apart, when found same and QT interval calculated. Results: The average age of the patients came out to be 45.37 +- 6.59 years. There were 36 (60%) were male and 24 (40%) female. Frequency of QT prolongation in patients with decompensate liver cirrhosis was observed in 12 (20%) cases. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a common occurrence. The frequency of QT prolongation was 20% in patients with cirrhosis.This study demonstrates the direct relationship of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy with the severity of liver disease. Therefore patients with cirrhosis should be investigated for prolonged QTc and the proper diagnosis and treatment.

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