Long QT syndrome with compound mutations is associated with a more severe phenotype: A Japanese multicenter study

Background

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) can be caused by mutations in the cardiac ion channels. Compound mutations occur at a frequency of 4% to 11% among genotyped LQTS cases.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and manner of onset of cardiac events in Japanese patients with LQTS and compound mutations.

Methods

Six hundred three genotyped LQTS patients (310 probands and 293 family members) were divided into two groups: those with a single mutation (n = 568) and those with two mutations (n = 35). Clinical phenotypes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Of 310 genotyped probands, 26 (8.4%) had two mutations in the same or different LQTS-related genes (compound mutations). Among the 603 LQTS patients, compound mutation carriers had significantly longer QTc interval (510 ± 56 ms vs 478± 53 ms, P = .001) and younger age at onset of cardiac events (10 ± 8 years vs 18 ± 16 years, P = .043) than did single mutation carriers. The incidence rate of cardiac events before age 40 years and use of beta-blocker therapy among compound mutation carriers also were different than in single mutation carriers. Subgroup analysis showed more cardiac events in LQTS type 1 (LQT1) and type 2 (LQT2) compound mutations compared to single LQT1 and LQT2 mutations.

Conclusion

Compound mutation carriers are associated with a more severe phenotype than single mutation carriers.