Relationship between fragmented QRS complex and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in kidney transplant patients Background—Kidney transplant is a most important replacement therapy. It reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity but does not fully correct impairments in cardiac function. Fragmented QRS (fQRS) complex includes various RSR′ patterns with different QRS complex morphologies on electrocardiograms. Objective—To analyze fQRS frequency and the relationship between fQRS and left ventricular function in kidney transplant patients. Method—After demographic data on 39 kidney transplant patients were recorded and biochemical parameters were investigated, electrocardiograms were evaluated for the presence of fQRS. Left ventricular ejection fraction, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, peak early diastolic mitral annular velocities, late diastolic mitral annular velocities, and systolic mitral annular velocity were analyzed. Results—Fragmented QRS was detected in 16 patients. A history of hypertension was associated with the presence of fQRS. Patients with fQRS had significantly lower systolic and peak early diastolic mitral annular velocities, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, and left ventricular ejection fraction than did patients without fQRS (P = .03, .01, 120 ms) at ECG, or permanent pacemakers.

Progress in Transplantation, Vol 24, No. 2, June 2014

Complete blood cell count, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and albumin values were measured in blood specimens collected for biochemical tests. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated according to the short formula from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group.12 ECG Standard 12-lead surface resting ECGs (filter range, 0.5-150 Hz, 25 mm/s, 10 mm/mV) were recorded from all patients. These ECGs were reviewed blindly by 2 independent authors (A.A., H.B.). Fragmented QRS was defined by the presence of various RSR′ patterns (QRS