Prolongation of the QTc interval may complicate an eating disorder and may explain cases of sudden death. It tends to occur when certain risk factors are present.
Dinardo et al used the following criteria for prolonged QTc:
(1) for age < 18 years: > 450 ms
(2) for age > 18 years: > 460 ms
Risk factors for prolongation of the QTc interval include:
(1) being severely underweight for age and sex
(2) rapid weight loss
(3) rapid refeeding
(4) concurrent drugs prolonging the QTc interval (antidepressants, other)
(5) severe electrolyte disturbances
In the absence of risk factors the risk of a significant prolongation in the QTc interval has been reported as low.
The risk for the patient may be increased if the ECG is not monitored during care, especially if one or more risk factors are present.
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