Key result
A maximal limb-lead QRS duration ≥0.10 second predicted a 34% incidence of seizures (P<0.05) and ≥0.16 second predicted ventricular arrhythmias (P<0.0005) in tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
Why the study?
Does maximal limb-lead QRS duration predict seizures and ventricular arrhythmias better than serum drug levels in patients with acute tricyclic antidepressant overdose?
Population
49 patients with an acute overdose of tricyclic antidepressant drugs
Comparison
Maximal limb-lead QRS duration measurement and… vs QRS duration < 0.10 seconds versus ≥ 0.10 seconds
Design
Cohort
Authors
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QRS duration may aid risk stratification in TCA overdose; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before guiding care.
Observational (n=49)
Does maximal limb-lead QRS duration predict seizures and ventricular arrhythmias better than serum drug levels in patients with acute tricyclic antidepressant overdose?
Absolute Event Rate: 34% vs 0%
p-value: p=<0.05
Maximal limb-lead QRS duration is a reliable predictor of seizures and ventricular arrhythmias in acute tricyclic antidepressant overdose, outperforming serum drug levels.
Boehnert et al. (1985) conducted an observational in Acute overdose of tricyclic antidepressant drugs (n=49). Maximal limb-lead QRS duration ≥0.10 second vs. QRS duration <0.10 second was evaluated on Seizures (p=<0.05). A maximal limb-lead QRS duration ≥0.10 second predicted a 34% incidence of seizures (P<0.05) and ≥0.16 second predicted ventricular arrhythmias (P<0.0005) in tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
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