Genetics of QT Prolongation With Antiarrhythmics

This study is a multi-center study attempting to identify genetic and other factors that influence QT interval response to dofetilide or sotalol. One of the goals of this study is to determine whether genetics might identify individuals at low enough genetic risk for QT prolongation that outpatient initiation might be feasible. The dofetilide or sotalol use will be solely determined by clinical staff independent of the research study based on standard clinical care. The research components of this study include only the additional collection of blood for genetic analysis, collection of subject data on a CRF and copies of electrocardiograms performed as part of routine clinical care. This study will be overseen and coordinated at MGH. Other hospitals that may participate include Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and University of Colorado Hospital; local IRB approval will be sought at each of these centers. Data will be collected at each individual hospital by co-investigators/site PIs and stored locally according to IRB requirements. Copies of CRFs, ECGs and blood samples for genetic analysis will be forwarded to MGH, which will serve as a coordinating and analysis center (as well as a recruiting center). Data will be encoded where possible; however, due to the impracticality of removing patient identifiers from certain data types, such as medication lists and ECGs, some data containing patient information will be transported and stored at MGH. Dr. Newton-Cheh will serve as overall study PI.

The investigators propose to conduct a research study to examine known and explore potentially unknown genetic predictors of QT response in patients being admitted for dofetilide or sotalol initiation as part of their routine clinical care. Any patient being admitted to a participating institution for the purpose of dofetilide or sotalol initiation will be eligible. Patients must be able to understand the risks of genetic testing, and be willing to undergo a venipuncture for blood collection for genotyping. Exclusion criteria include inability to provide informed consent. The investigators have a goal to enroll a total of 1000 study participants across all collaborating centers.

Patients will be identified by investigators based on planned admission for dofetilide or sotalol initiation, and following explanation of the study by co-investigator, will be asked about study participation and informed consent will be obtained. Investigators will complete a data collection form for each patient, which will include contact information, demographic information, clinical information, family history and pedigree, and all electrocardiography information available (tracings, reports). Patients will then undergo venipuncture, and two 5mL blood samples (tubes) will be collected for genotyping. Patients will also be consented for future re-contact about additional data, information, or samples needed for analysis.