Drugs which induce a delay in cardiac repolarization measured as QT interval prolongation on the electrocardiogram (ECG) have been associated with a potential to increase the risk of arrhythmias, especially Torsades de pointes (TdP), a potentially lethal polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The analyses performed using conventional methods are restricted to the extraction of a few ECG complexes. This practice is associated with several limitations. In contrast, the inclusion of all beats measured by computerized methods from continuous 24 h recordings could resolve all of these deficiencies. The current work demonstrated that automated ECG measurement methods employing continuous analysis can supplant conventional methods for the evaluation of QT prolongation in clinical studies. Recommendations have been established to provide an optimal use of continuous ECG analysis.
Application of automated electrocardiographic measurement methods to evaluate the torsadogenic risk in clinical trials : an effective alternative to conventional methods?