Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Use of Drugs Prolonging QT Interval in Patients at the Time of Admission to Geriatric Department

Peter Mikus, Stefan Krajcik and Peter Ciutti

The usage of drugs prolonging QT interval is common issue in old age. They were used by 67.5% of patients being admitted to geriatric department. Use of these drugs was associated with a higher 3-month mortality rate (36.6% versus 16.7%). This mortality rate was significantly higher in patients using 3 and more of these drugs. Patients, who did not survive 3 months used QT interval prolonging drugs significantly more often (83.3 % versus 67. 5%).The most frequently used group of drugs were diuretics used by 36% of patients. The most often used drug was furosemide, used by 32.5% of patients. The second most used group were antipsychotic drugs which were used by 24% of patients. The second most frequently used medicament was pantoprazole used by 22.5% patients. Antidepressants were used by 15.4% of patients. The most often used antidepressant was citalopram, which belongs to drugs with a high risk of QT interval prolongation. It was used by 6.1% of patients.