Objective: Recent research suggests that other surrogate markers than QTc, including QTc dispersion and Tpeak-Tend, may better correlate with cardiac arrhythmia risk. While sertindole significantly prolongs the QTc interval, the effects on other markers of arrhythmia risk, such as QTc dispersion and Tpeak-Tend are unknown.
Method: Digital 12-lead ECG was recorded at baseline and at steady-state in 37 patients switched to sertindole. ECG was analysed for Fridericia-corrected QT duration (QTcF), QT dispersion and Tpeak-Tend.
Results: From a baseline QTcF of 407 +/- 22 ms, mean QTcF prolongation during sertindole treatment was 20 +/- 23 ms, P < 0.01. No effect on QTc dispersion was found (-1 +/- 11 ms; P = 0.41). No increased duration of the Tpeak-Tend interval from baseline was found (+7 +/- 21 ms; P = 0.05).
Conclusion: These findings might be related to the absence of confirmed Torsade de Pointes (TdP) cases related to sertindole exposure, despite sertindole's QTc prolonging effects.