Relationship Between Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism and QT Dispersion in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Introduction. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion or deletion in long-term hemodialysis patients may be associated with corrected QT interval prolongation, leading to fatal arrhythmias. The ACE D allele is known to increase the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and is also associated with increased QT dispersion after myocardial infarction and hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between ACE gene polymorphism and QT dispersion in hemodialysis patients.

Materials and Methods. In 70 hemodialysis patients, electrocardiography was performed and QT dispersion was calculated. Corrected QT interval was calculated using Bazett Formula. The ACE gene polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction.

Results. The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 12 years. The mean QT dispersion and corrected QT dispersion were 61.71 ± 21.99 and 73.18 ± 25.51, respectively. QT dispersion inversely correlated with serum calcium and potassium levels and positively correlated with ACE gene polymorphism and residual urine. Calcium level was the predictor factor for QT dispersion. The ACE genotype correlated with QT dispersion, corrected QT dispersion, hemoglobin, and residual urine, and inversely correlated with serum potassium. Corrected QT dispersion correlated with ACE gene polymorphism and residual urine. The DD genotype of ACE had significally greater QT dispersion and corrected QT dispersion than the II and ID genotypes.

Conclusions. Our study showed that the most important parameter affecting corrected QT dispersion was ACE gene polymorphism on the background of D allelle. Patients carrying this allelle need special attention regarding optimal suppression of renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system activity.