EKG — Q-T interval
Q – T interval:
• Thiopental and volatile anesthetics prolong the Q-T interval
• Acquired QT prolongation is associated with anesthetic drugs, cardiac, pulmonary, and electrolyte disturbances.
• A prolonged QT interval can degenerate into malignant dysrhythmias
• Propofol can prolong QT, and that prolongation can be exacerbated during laryngoscopy and intubation
• This is probably due to sympathetic stimulation
• Fentanyl 2 mcg/kg before induction attenuates the QT prolongation associated with laryngoscopy and intubation
• It does this by blocking cardiac potassium currents in myocytes.
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