Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Duration of the Surgery and Age are Risk Factors for QTc Interval Prolongation under General Anaesthesia with Volatile Anesthetics

Beverly Waxler, Bosko Margeta, Luminita Tureanu and Louis Fogg

Background: Prolongation of the QT interval signals disordered cardiac repolarization which poses a significant risk to patients undergoing surgical procedures under anesthesia. Methods: This study analyzed the demographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors in relation to QT interval prolongation under different types of anesthesia. This prospective observational study compared demographic characteristics, clinical and pharmacological factors from patients who demonstrated a prolonged QTc interval under GA (general anesthesia) and in those who had QTc interval prolongation while receiving RA (regional) or MAC (monitored anesthesia care). Results: Duration of surgery correlated strongly with QTc interval prolongation in patients who were exposed to volatile anesthetics (r=.228, p=.010), but not in patients who received RA/MAC (r=.121, p=.444).