Glycogen Phosphorylase-BB and Corrected QT Interval in Early Prediction of Cardiotoxicity in Patients with Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning

Abstract Background Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is a highly toxic pesticide that cause multi-organ affection. Cardiovascular affection accounts for high mortality. So, early prediction of myocardial injury and arrhythmias are important in the management. Aim This study aimed at investigating the role of Glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB) and corrected QT interval (QTc) in early prediction of ALP induced cardiotoxicity. Methods and Results The current study was a prospective study carried at Poison Control Center of Ain Shams University on thirty ALP intoxicated adults and thirty age and sex matched healthy controls. Patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, grading of severity according to Poison Severity Score (PSS) and on admission investigations including electrocardiogram (ECG) and GPBB. Outcome was also recorded. The results revealed that GPBB was higher in intoxicated patients than controls and there was significant difference among outcome groups. GPBB also was able to detect cardiotoxicity and predict mortality. QTc interval was longer in intoxicated patients than healthy controls and was able to predict occurrence of arrhythmias. Conclusion It was concluded that GPBB is a promising biomarker to predict myocardial injury following aluminum phosphide intoxication and on admission corrected QT interval is simple bed side tool to predict arrhythmias. Recommendations The present study recommended the use of GPBB and corrected QT interval as useful markers for prediction of ALP cardiotoxicity.