Key Points
- Determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of electrocardiographic repolarization abnormalities associated with ventricular arrhythmias in hospitalized patients with anorexia nervosa.
- Analyzed admission electrocardiograms from 67 consecutive inpatients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
- Assessed associations between repolarization markers (QT prolongation and large U waves) and clinical parameters including serum potassium and degree of weight loss.
- QT interval prolongation was identified in 29.9% of patients (20/67), and large U waves were observed in 17.9% of patients (12/67).
- Large U waves were independently associated with serum potassium levels (p = .02), showing no significant association with weight loss or clinical symptoms.
- Corrected QT intervals demonstrated a nonsignificant trend toward an association with serum potassium levels (p = .08).
Structured PICO
PPopulation67 consecutive inpatients with anorexia nervosa
OOutcomePrevalence and clinical associations of EKG repolarization abnormalities (QT interval prolongation and large U waves)surrogate
In patients with anorexia nervosa, EKG repolarization abnormalities are common and appear to be driven by serum potassium levels rather than the degree of weight loss itself.