Comparison of Parameters Between Groups A and B
| Parameter | Group A (n = 21) | Group B (n = 33) | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (y) | 53.4 ± 16.2 | 52.3 ± 11.2 | 0.7569 |
| Sex of the patient | 0.9718 | ||
| Male (n) | 15 | 25 | |
| Female (n) | 6 | 8 | |
| Organic heart disease (%) | 16 (76%) | 23 (70%) | 0.8354 |
| LVEF (%) | 44 ± 19 | 51 ± 15 | 0.1284 |
| LVDd (mm) | 56 ± 12 | 52 ± 10 | 0.1681 |
| Early HMR of MIBG activity | 1.98 ± 0.31 | 2.13 ± 0.31 | 0.1047 |
| Late HMR of MIBG activity | 1.75 ± 0.44 | 2.02 ± 0.40 | 0.0221 |
| Washout rate (%) | 36 ± 13 | 28 ± 14 | 0.2821 |
| Follow-up (mo) | 10 ± 11 | 18 ± 11 | 0.0279 |
| SAECG filtered QRS | 133.0 ± 31.7 (n = 15) | 121.7 ± 17.0 (n = 25) | 0.1756 |
| Root mean square | 22.8 ± 17.7 (n = 15) | 34.2 ± 78.4 (n = 25) | 0.6254 |
| Low-amplitude signal | 38.6 ± 15.6 (n = 15) | 39.6 ± 13.9 (n = 25) | 0.8500 |
| ANP | 66 ± 54 | 46 ± 28 | 0.0957 |
| BNP | 199 ± 188 | 80 ± 85 | 0.0030 |
| Concomitant medication | |||
| β-blocker | 67% (14/21) | 48% (16/33) | 0.3030 |
| I-antiarrhythmic drug | 48% (10/21) | 24% (8/33) | 0.1388 |
| Amiodarone | 43% (9/21) | 33% (11/33) | 0.6763 |
| ACEI/ARB | 62% (13/21) | 36% (12/33) | 0.1199 |
| Diuretic | 43% (9/21) | 24% (8/33) | 0.2563 |
| Congestive heart failure | 57% (12/21) | 39% (13/33) | 0.3196 |
| Positive SAECG (n = 40) | 67% (10/15) | 56% (14/25) | 0.7399 |
| Electrophysiologic study (n = 41) | |||
| Induction of VT/fibrillation | |||
| Sustained or nonsustained | 93% (14/15) | 92% (24/26) | 1.0000 |
| Sustained | 80% (12/15) | 58% (15/26) | 0.1860 |
| Clinical VT | |||
| Sustained or nonsustained | 100% (21/21) | 76% (25/33) | 0.0172 |
| Sustained | 81% (17/21) | 61% (20/33) | 0.1429 |
LVDd = left ventricular diameter; SAECG = signal-averaged electrocardiographic findings; ACEI = angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB = angiotensin receptor blocker.