Electrocardiographic characteristics of cirrhotic patients and their association with Child‐Pugh score

Abstract

BackgroundCardiac dysfunction is a serious complication of cirrhosis which is usually asymptomatic. We investigated the clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG)‐related factors among patients with cirrhosis and our aim was to find any associations between ECG changes and the etiology of cirrhosis, as well as Child‐Pugh score.HypothesisWe hypothesized that some ECG‐related factors, particularly prolonged QT interval, are more common in patients with cirrhosis. Also, these factors are associated with the severity of cirrhosis, measured by the Child‐Pugh score.MethodsFrom April 2019 to December 2022, we reviewed admitted patients to Namazi and Abu‐Ali Sina hospitals, Shiraz, Iran. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis and without concurrent disorders affecting the cardiovascular system were selected. Clinical and ECG‐related data were then extracted for participants, and Child‐Pugh score was calculated.ResultsA total of 425 patients were included; the median age was 36 years, and 245 patients (57.6%) were men. Cryptogenic and primary sclerosing cholangitis were the most common etiologies. Prolonged QT followed by early transitional zone were the most common ECG changes (24.7% and 19.8%, respectively), which were significantly associated with the etiology of cirrhosis and Child‐Pugh class.ConclusionsProlonged QT interval and presence of early transitional zone in patients with cirrhosis may indicate cardiac dysfunction, necessitating further evaluations.