Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Nav1.5

Title: Assessment of markers for identifying patients at risk for life-threatening arrhythmic events in Brugada syndrome.

Authors: Youichi Ajiro, Nobuhisa Hagiwara, Hiroshi Kasanuki

Journal, date & volume: J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol., 2005 Jan , 16, 45-51

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15673386

Abstract
Risk stratification for life-threatening arrhythmic events in Brugada syndrome is not yet established. The aim of the present study was to examine the usefulness of various markers in predicting life-threatening arrhythmic events in the Brugada syndrome.Forty-six patients with Brugada-type ECGs were categorized into the symptomatic (n=28) and asymptomatic (n=18) groups. Statistical analyses were performed with respect to the usefulness of the following markers: SCN5A mutation, pharmacologic challenge, ventricular fibrillation (VF) inducibility by programmed electrical stimulation, and late potential (LP) by signal-averaged ECG (SAECG). Comparison between the two groups revealed a significant difference only in LP positivity (92.6% vs 47.1%, P=0.0004). The symptomatic group had significantly lower RMS40, longer LAS40, and longer fQRSd compared with the asymptomatic group. A significant difference was noted, especially RMS40. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and predictive accuracy when setting a cutoff value of 15 microV were 92.0%, 78.9%, and 86.4%, respectively. Furthermore, patients with an RMS40 value <15 microV (n=25) showed significantly higher rates of VF recurrence compared with patients with an RMS40 value > or = 15 microV (n=19, P=0.047).Regarding risk stratification for identifying high-risk patients in Brugada syndrome, only LP by SAECG was shown to be useful, suggesting the importance of RMS40 in predicting the history of life-threatening arrhythmic events and the recurrence of VF.