QT Interval Dispersion in Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Abstract

Alcohol intoxication is probably the most common intoxication worldwide. Some studies have suggested an association between QT interval dispersion (QTd) and the risk of arrhythmias. The aim of this report is to assess how alcohol in potential lethal blood concentrations affects QTd. Eighty-four patients were included in analyses. QTd at admittance was compared with a control group (n = 27) and with QTd at discharge. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in order to explore odds ratio for dispersion including several variables. Mean QTd was 48.6 msec (SD: 13.9) in alcohol intoxicated patients compared to 40.8 msec (SD: 16.5) in the controls (p = 0.019). QTd was larger at admission than at discharge in patients with alcohol intoxication (49.7 msec (13.3) vs. 41.9 (13.8). P = 0.032). Mean blood alcohol level was 2.9‰ in the study group.High to very high blood alcohol concentration may increase QT interval dispersion.