Computerized extraction of electrocardiograms from continuous 12-lead holter recordings reduces measurement variability in a thorough QT study

J Clin Pharmacol. 2012 Dec;52(12):1891-900. doi: 10.1177/0091270011430505. Epub 2011 Dec 20.

Abstract

Continuous Holter recordings are often used in thorough QT studies (TQTS), with multiple 10-second electrocardiograms (ECGs) visually selected around predesignated time points. The authors hypothesized that computer-automated ECG selection would reduce within-subject variability, improve study data precision, and increase study power. Using the moxifloxacin and placebo arms of a Holter-based crossover TQTS, the authors compared interval duration measurements (IDMs) from manually selected to computer-selected ECGs. All IDMs were made with a fully automated computer algorithm. Moxifloxacin-induced changes in baseline- and placebo-subtracted QT intervals were similar for manual and computer ECG selection. Mean 90% confidence intervals were narrower, and within-subject variability by mixed-model covariance was lower for computer-selected than for manual-selected ECGs. Computer ECG selection reduced the number of subjects needed to achieve 80% power by 40% to 50% over manual. Computer ECG selection returns accurate ddQTcF values with less measurement variability than manual ECG selection by a variety of metrics. This results in increased study power and reduces the number of subjects needed to achieve desired power, which represents a significant potential source cost savings in clinical drug trials.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms*
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Aza Compounds
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Quinolines
  • Research Design
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Aza Compounds
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Quinolines
  • Moxifloxacin