Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio are significantly increased in patients with brain death

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether there is a change in Tpe interval, Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc ratios in patients with brain death.

Materials and Methods: Fifty brain death patients and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls were included in the study. In addition to routine evaluation, Tp-e interval, Tp-e / QT and Tp-e / QTc ratios were measured in 12-lead electrocardiography. Tp-e was measured in the precordial leads using the Tail method; the time from the peak of the T wave to the point where the wave reached the isoelectric line.

Results: White blood cell, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and high sensitive c reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients with brain death. The frequency of patients with QTc prolongation, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc values were significantly higher in patients with brain death (p <0.05). Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc values were found to be positively correlated with HsCRP (p<0.001 for all). The cutoff value of Tpe/QT ratio obtained by ROC curve analysis was 0.225 for prediction of brain death (sensitivity: 64.0%, specificity: 84.0%). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.824 (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Tp-e interval, Tp-e / QT and Tp-e / QTc ratios are increased in patients with brain death compared to healthy controls. This may be related to the effect of the changing neuroendocrine state in patients with brain death.