Author/Editor		Tasič, Jerneja; Zupan, Igor
Title		T-variability index as a predictor of sudden cardiac death in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Translated title		Napovedana vrednost indeksa variabilnosti vala T za nenadno srčno smrt pri bolnikih z dilatativno kardiomiopatijo
Type		članek
Source		Slov Pediatr
Vol. and No.		Letnik 5, št. 1
Publication year		2008
Volume		str. 28-30
Language		eng
Abstract		T-wave alternans is an important identifier of patients at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), but it has to be assessed during an exercise test or atrial pacing. In the study, the T-variability index (TVar) was used as a stratifying parameter for SCD for which exercise testing or atrial pacing is not required. The oscillating weighting factor (OWF), which shows recurring alternans over a cluster of beats, and T-amplitude variance (TAV), which is a square root of the local variance, are key factors in the TVar index. Methods. 57 patients with both sinus rhythm and LVEF equal to or less than 40% were included in the study. 34 (59.6%) received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) after surviving SCD and the remaining (40.4%) were patients with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy who were not affected by sCD. A 20-minute high resolution ECG recording for TVar assessment was performed in both groups of patients in the supine position. Results. Non-parametric two-independent-samples test proved that the TVar index is a statistically important predictor of SCD (p=0.042). The binary logistic regression test proved the link between TVar and probable SCD (p=0.042). The value of TVar equal or minor to 0.001976 mV was established as a risk parameter For SCD with a 95% probability. Conclusion. TVar as a method of T-wave variability assessment does not require exercise testing or atrial pacing. It proves to be a good risk stratifier For SCD.
Descriptors		CARDIOMYOPATHY, CONGESTIVE DEATH, SUDDEN, CARDIAC ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY