Behavior of QT interval in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Ana Margarita Jerez Castro 1â

Abstract

? Human immunodeficiency virus infections have been associated with arrhythmias, in which antiretroviral drugs play a major etiological role. Objective: to describe the behavior of the QT interval and its dispersion among patients with positive human immunodeficiency virus under antiretroviral treatment. Methods: a descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in 1139 patients with human immunodeficiency virus. The demographic variables (sex, age), epidemiological (cardiovascular risk factors), immunological (viral load, CD4 + count) and electrocardiographic variables (corrected QT, QT dispersion, ventricular arrhythmias) were analyzed. Results: male sex, tobacco and opportunistic infections were the most prevalent. The immunological variables responded adequately to the antiretroviral. There was a non-pathological increase in QT interval and QT dispersion, especially when lopinavir was used. Ventricular arrhythmias were reported in 23.6% and sudden death in 10%. Conclusions: prolongation and dispersion of the QT interval, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death were associated with HIV infection that was short-lived and associated with protease inhibitors.  ?? ?

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