Prolongation of QT interval induced by electroconvulsive therapy is attenuated by landiolol

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if landiolol, ultra short-acting β adrenoceptor antagonist, attenuates the prolongation of QT interval caused by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Methods: Fifteen patients, scheduled to undergo ECT for the treatment of major depression disorder, were studied. In each patient, 2 sessions of ECT were picked up and randomly assigned to be administered with (treatment L) or without continuous infusion of landiolol (treatment C). Electroconvulsive therapy was administered under general anesthesia with propofol and suxamethonium. Raw electrocardiogram waves were obtained from anesthesia monitor and stored on a personal computer. Automated electrocardiogram analyzing software was used for the determination of QT interval. Results: The increase in corrected QT caused by suxamethonium was significantly smaller in treatment L (36.8 ± 14.5 ms for treatment C vs 17.9 ± 6.5 ms for treatment L; P < 0.001). The increase in corrected QT caused by ECT was also smaller in treatment L (72.3 ± 23.1 ms for treatment C vs 54.6 ± 17.9 ms for treatment L; P = 0.02). Conclusions: The prolongation of QT interval caused by SUX and ECT was partially attenuated by landiolol.