QTc interval prolongation (≥470 ms1/2) independently predicted incident stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 2.2 to 2.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.0).
Cohort (n=471)
Does QTc interval prolongation predict future strokes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
QTc interval prolongation is an independent predictor of future stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting its potential utility in cardiovascular risk stratification.
Effect estimate: HR 2.2 to 2.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.0)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: QTc interval prolongation is a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in general populations and in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes, with particular emphasis on the independent role of QT interval parameters. METHODS: We carried out a long-term follow-up study with 471 type 2 diabetics. Several clinical, laboratory, ECG, and echocardiographic variables were recorded at baseline. Predictive factors for stroke were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier estimation of survival curves and by univariate and multivariate Cox survival analyses. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 57 months (range, 2 to 84 months), 40 incident strokes were observed. QTc interval prolongation (>or=470 ms1/2) was an independent predictor of stroke, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 2.2 to 2.9 (95% confidence intervals, 1.1 to 6.0). Other independent factors associated with stroke were older age; the presence of cerebrovascular disease at baseline; increased 24-hour proteinuria, serum triglycerides, and left ventricular mass; and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Excluding patients with previous cerebrovascular disease from the analysis did not change the results significantly. CONCLUSIONS: QTc interval prolongation is a predictor of future stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes. Intervention studies are needed to assess whether this factor could be modified.
Cardoso et al. (Tue,) conducted a cohort in type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=471). QTc interval prolongation was evaluated on incident strokes (HR 2.2 to 2.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.0). QTc interval prolongation (≥470 ms1/2) independently predicted incident stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 2.2 to 2.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.0).