Novel Low Cost QTc Meter for Long QT Syndrome Screening in Primary Care

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant Minnesota HealthSolutions MHS iCardiac Technologies and the Mayo Clinic propose the development and evaluation of an inexpensive diagnostic device the QTc Meter to support simplified widespread screening in the primary care environment for both congenital long QT syndrome LQTS and acquired drug induced LQTS This grant focuses specifically on the QTc Meter for the early detection of LQTS Congenital LQTS satisfies several criteria that may make screening worthwhile LQTS is not rare in births follow on ECG diagnosis is feasible and ideally complemented by genetic testing LQTS may cause up to of sudden infant death syndrome SIDS as well as many deaths in childhood adolescence and early adulthood and although potentially lethal LQTS is highly treatable when diagnosed Further by stimulating cascade screening diagnosis of affected infants may also prompt identification of asymptomatic but nevertheless affected family members A novel QT interval measurement device will be utilized that is suitable for accurate deployment in an inexpensive and easily utilized instrument for the primary care environment PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE Infants children adolescents and young adults are vulnerable to undiagnosed and potentially lethal cardiovascular diseases The younger age range includes the clinically important group of infants at risk for sudden infant death syndrome SIDS Long QT syndrome LQTS is a genetic disorder characterized by QT prolongation and is associated with potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias that may lead to syncope seizures cardiac arrest or sudden death Although LQTS is potentially lethal very effective therapies are available if LQTS is diagnosed The development of an accurate and inexpensive instrument that screens for LQTS a treatable disease that occurs in in births will enable treatment for life threatening arrhythmias in infants children and young adults