QT interval prolongation and the risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmia and/or cardiac arrest: Systematic search and narrative review of risk related to the magnitude of QT interval length.

Prolongation of the QTc interval is associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia (VT), and sudden cardiac death. The quantifiable risk rates of adverse dysrhythmic outcome in relation to specific QTc interval length are not known. We conducted a literature review on the topic of QT interval prolongation in adult patients and the associated risk of malignant dysrhythmic event.

QT interval prolongation and the rate of malignant ventricular dysrhythmia and cardiac arrest in adult poisoned patients.

Introduction: Prolongation of QTc interval, a common electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormality encountered in the toxicology patient, is reportedly associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias (MVD), such as ventricular tachycardia (VT, with and without a pulse), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and/or cardiac arrest. Quantifiable cardiac arrest risk in relation to specific QTc interval length is not known in this population.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study to assess the rate of cardiac arrest and its association with degree of QTc prolongation in a cohort of patients requiring toxicology consultation.