Association of fragmented QRS complex with mortality and clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism: an updated meta-analysis.

BMJ OpenSep 18, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchCardiologyPulmonology

Shangbo Xu, Weibiao Ji, Yangbo Chen et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This meta-analysis evaluated the association of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on ECG with mortality and clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). Analyzing five studies with 1383 patients, it found that fQRS significantly increased the risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 3.40) and long-term mortality (OR 3.90).

Key findings

  • fQRS was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR 3.40; 95% CI 1.72 to 6.71; p=0.0004).
  • Long-term mortality risk was also elevated with fQRS (OR 3.90; 95% CI 1.80 to 8.47; p=0.0006).
  • The presence of fQRS increased the risk of cardiogenic shock (OR 4.88; 95% CI 1.70 to 14.01; p=0.003).

Why it matters

Identifying fQRS on ECG can serve as a valuable risk marker for clinicians managing patients with pulmonary embolism, potentially guiding early intervention and intensive management strategies.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42760070

Published in BMJ Open. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

ShareTelegramLinkedIn

AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

More in Cardiology

Clinical ResearchHematology

Ponatinib-Blinatumomab or Imatinib-Chemotherapy for Adult Ph-Positive ALL.

This multicenter, phase 3 randomized trial compared frontline ponatinib plus blinatumomab with imatinib plus chemotherapy in adults with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

N Engl J MedOct 15, 2026Read summary
Clinical ResearchHematology

Efficacy and safety of mitapivat in patients with sickle cell disease (RISE UP): a phase 3, double-blind, global, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

RISE UP was a phase 3, double-blind, global, randomised, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 69 sites in 15 countries. It evaluated twice-daily mitapivat in patients older than 16 years with sickle cell disease…

LancetOct 24, 2026Read summary
Clinical ResearchRheumatology

Ianalumab for the Treatment of Patients with Sjögren's Disease.

Two 52-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trials evaluated monthly or less frequent ianalumab in patients with active Sjögren's disease.

N Engl J MedOct 22, 2026Read summary

Want this personalized?

Stop searching the literature. Choose what you follow and xxcode will build your personalized medical digest.

  • Your specialties
  • Your filters and thresholds
  • Clinical Research + Case Reports, tuned separately
  • Automatic weekly delivery
  • Audio and text
Create my personalized digestSee plans

Prefer listening? Personalized audio digests are available with Pro.

Stay updated for free

Get the 3 most interesting publications in one specialty each week.

Weekly email. Unsubscribe anytime.