Fragmented QRS complex could predict all-cause mortality in patients with connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the prognostic impact and pathophysiological characteristics of fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) on patients with connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH).

Methods: This was a multicentre retrospective study recruiting 141 patients with CTD-PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterization (114 cases in the discovery cohort and 27 cases in the validation cohort). fQRS and ST-T change were detected on conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Patients were followed up every 3 months to update their status and the primary end point was all-cause death. Clinical information and ECG characteristics were compared between survival and death groups and Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis.

Results: There were significant differences in age, gender, 6-min walk distance, NT-proBNP, WHO class, presence of fQRS and presence of ST-T change in inferior leads between survival group and death group. Inferior fQRS and ST-T change were significantly associated with right ventricular (RV) dilatation and reduced RV ejection fraction (RVEF). Kaplan-Meier curve showed that all-cause mortality was higher in CTD-PAH with fQRS (p= 0.003) and inferior ST-T change (p= 0.012). Low- and intermediate-risk CTD-PAH with inferior ST-T change had higher all-cause mortality (p= 0.005). The prognostic value of fQRS and inferior ST-T change was validated in external validation cohort.

Conclusion: The presence of inferior fQRS and ST-T change could predict poor prognosis in CTD-PAH.

Clinical trial registration number: NCT05980728, https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Keywords: Connective tissue disease; Fragmented QRS complex; Pulmonary hypertension; ST-T change.