Corrected QT interval and QT dispersion in temporal lobe epilepsy

• Published in: The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, 2021-01, Vol.57 (1), p.1-6
• Main Authors: Nasef, Maram Samy, Gaber Ahmed Abdelmonem, Abdelhamid Yousry Aboelnaga, Islam, Bastawy, Abdelhady Salem Taha, Wahid el din Mona Mokhtar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arrhythmia; Corrected QT interval; Epilepsy; QT dispersion; Sudden cardiac death; Temporal lobe
• ISSN: 1110-1083; 1687-8329
• DOI: 10.1186/s41983-020-00257-1

BackgroundCardiac arrhythmias are expected among patients with epilepsy due to the effect of anti-epileptic drugs. Temporal lobe epilepsy also causes autonomic seizures that may affect heart rhythm. Prolongation of the corrected QT interval and QT dispersion is a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess corrected QT interval and QT dispersion in patients with epilepsy and if there is a difference between patients with temporal epilepsy versus non-temporal epilepsy.MethodsThis study was conducted on 100 patients (50 patients with temporal epilepsy and 50 patients with non-temporal epilepsy) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. They underwent a prolonged (6 to 24 h) 22 channel computerized electroencephalogram monitor with a 10–20 system. QT dispersion, QT interval, and corrected QT interval (using Bazett’s formula) were calculated.ResultsThis study showed significantly higher QT dispersion and corrected QT interval in patients with epilepsy when compared to the age- and sex-matched control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Also, the corrected QT interval and QT dispersion were significantly higher in temporal epilepsy patients when compared to the non-temporal group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001).ConclusionCorrected QT interval and QT dispersion are higher in epileptic patients and more among temporal epilepsy patients in comparison to non-temporal epilepsy patients.