The abnormal intra-QRS potentials index yielded higher specificity (95% vs 89%) and positive predictive value (47% vs 25%) for arrhythmic events than conventional SAECG, Holter, and LVEF.
Cohort (n=173)
Does the abnormal intra-QRS potentials (AIQP) index improve the prediction of arrhythmic events compared to conventional noninvasive indices in patients after myocardial infarction?
The AIQP index derived from signal-averaged ECG improves the specificity and positive predictive value for predicting arrhythmic events in post-myocardial infarction patients compared to conventional noninvasive indices.
BACKGROUND: Using the signal-averaged ECG (SAECG), this study developed a new electrical index for predicting arrhythmic events: abnormal intra-QRS potentials (AIQP). METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 173 patients followed after myocardial infarction for a mean duration of 14 +/- 7 months. Sixteen arrhythmic events occurred, defined as sudden cardiac death, documented sustained ventricular tachycardia, or non-fatal cardiac arrest. Noninvasive indices of arrhythmia risk were measured, including AIQP, conventional SAECG, Holter, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Abnormal intra-QRS potentials were defined as abnormal signals occurring anywhere within the QRS period. They were estimated with a lead-specific, parametric modeling method that removed the smooth, predictable part of the QRS. AIQPs are characterized by the remaining transient, unpredictable component of the QRS and manifest as low-amplitude notches and slurs. A combined XYZ-lead AIQP index exhibited higher specificity (95%) and predictive value (PV) (+PV, 47%; -PV, 94%) than the conventional SAECG in combination with Holter and LVEF (specificity, 89%; +PV, 25%; -PV, 93%). CONCLUSIONS: AIQP improved specificity and predictive value, compared with conventional tests, for prediction of arrhythmic events. AIQP emerged as the best noninvasive univariate predictor of arrhythmic events after myocardial infarction in this study. A review of several other reports shows that AIQP in the present study outperformed the conventional predictive indices reported in those other data sets.
Lander et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in Myocardial infarction (n=173). Abnormal intra-QRS potentials (AIQP) vs. Conventional SAECG in combination with Holter and LVEF was evaluated on Arrhythmic events (sudden cardiac death, documented sustained ventricular tachycardia, or non-fatal cardiac arrest). The abnormal intra-QRS potentials index yielded higher specificity (95% vs 89%) and positive predictive value (47% vs 25%) for arrhythmic events than conventional SAECG, Holter, and LVEF.