Serious arrhythmias and / or sudden deaths related to the use of first-generation or typical antipsychotics have been observed for about thirty years. It is considered that the pathophysiological mechanism that causes these events may to be block the potassium and calcium channels with abnormal ventricular repolarization. The assessment of QT, QTc corrected for heart rate, is a predictor of risk for TdP. The introduction of second generation antipsychotics raised the question if these molecules can induce prolongation of the QT interval on the increased risk of arrhythmia and / or TdP. Controlled studies also argue that second-generation antipsychotics may lead to prolongation of QT / QTc. by introducing into the routine ECG and laboratory evaluations The purpose of this study is to analyze any change in ECG QTc observed in patients admitted to the SPDC, and possible correlation with antipsychotic medication.

AscoltaThe ECGs of 300 patients admitted during the period January 2009/January 2010 with QTc assessment the first day and fifteen days after the treatment with second generation antipsychotics were examined. Changes were evaluated in relation to gender, age, diagnosis, antipsychotic taken in single or co-therapy QTc value divided into three classes: 440 ≤; 441 ≥ 500 ; 501≥;). There were no significant changes in QTc in relation to medication. It is believed that second-generation antipsychotics are considered safe and effective drugs at the time and that psychiatrists should pay more attention, however, by introducing into the routine ECG and laboratory evaluations.