Characteristics, predictors and outcomes of new-onset QT prolongation in sepsis: a multicenter retrospective study

Abstract Background Sepsis-induced myocardial injury is a serious complication of sepsis. QT prolongation is a proarrhythmic state which reflects myocardial injury in a group of heterogeneous disorders. However, the study on the clinical value of QT prolongation in sepsis is limited. Methods We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and predictors of new-onset QT prolongation in sepsis and its impact on the outcome in a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Electrocardiographic and clinical data were collected from patients with sepsis from the wards and intensive care units of four centers after exclusion of QT-influencing medications and electrolyte abnormalities. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without QT prolongation (QTc > 450 ms). Multivariate analysis was performed to ascertain whether QT prolongation was an independent predictor for 30-day mortality. The factors predicting QT prolongation in sepsis were also analyzed. Results New-onset QT prolongation occurred in 235/1024 (22.9%) patients. The majority demonstrated similar pattern as type 1 long QT syndrome. Patients with QT prolongation had a higher 30-day in-hospital mortality ( P < 0.001), which was also associated with increased tachyarrhythmias including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or tachycardia ( P < 0.001) and ventricular arrhythmia ( P < 0.001) during hospitalization. QT prolongation independently predicted 30-day mortality ( P = 0.044) after multivariate analysis. History of coronary artery disease ( P = 0.001), septic shock ( P = 0.008), acute respiratory ( P < 0.001), heart ( P = 0.021) and renal dysfunction ( P = 0.013) were independent predictors of QT prolongation in sepsis. Conclusions New-onset QT prolongation in sepsis was associated with increased mortality as well as atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, which was predicted by disease severity and organ dysfunction. Graphical abstract