ASSOCIATION BETWEEN QTc INTERVAL AND SEVERITY OF CIRRHOSIS IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a systemic disease with significant cardiovascular involvement, particularly in the form of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval is one of the most consistent electrophysiological abnormalities observed in cirrhotic patients and has been linked to adverse outcomes, including arrhythmias and increased mortality.Aim: To evaluate the association between QTc interval and severity of cirrhosis in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center and included 100 patients with clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis. QTc interval was measured using a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram and calculated using Bazett’s formula. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed using the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with p < 0.05 considered significant.Results: The majority of patients were male (76%) and belonged to the 41–60-year age group. Alcohol was the predominant etiological factor (62%). QTc prolongation was commonly observed and showed a significant positive correlation with severity of cirrhosis. Patients with higher Child–Pugh classes and elevated MELD scores demonstrated progressively increased QTc intervals (p < 0.05). QTc prolongation was more pronounced in advanced disease stages, indicating worsening electrophysiological dysfunction with progression of liver disease.Conclusion: QTc interval prolongation is significantly associated with the severity of liver cirrhosis and may serve as a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective prognostic marker. Routine assessment of QTc interval in cirrhotic patients can aid in early identification of high-risk individuals and facilitate timely intervention to reduce cardiovascular complications and mortality.