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P-wave dispersion: relationship to left ventricular function in sickle cell anaemia
N I Oguanobi1, B J Onwubere, S O Ike
1Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. nelifyik@yahoo.com
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|May 11, 2011
Summary
P-wave dispersion is elevated in sickle cell anaemia patients, indicating potential left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. This measurement may aid in evaluating cardiac health in sickle cell disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- P-wave dispersion's prognostic value in cardiac conditions is recognized.
- The link between P-wave dispersion and left ventricular function in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between P-wave dispersion and left ventricular function in adult Nigerian sickle cell anaemia patients.
Main Methods:
- 62 adult SCA patients and age/gender-matched controls underwent electrocardiography and echocardiography.
- P-wave dispersion was calculated as the difference between maximum and minimum P-wave duration on a 12-lead ECG.
Main Results:
- SCA patients exhibited significantly higher P-wave duration and dispersion than controls.
- P-wave dispersion correlated negatively with left ventricular transmitral E/A ratio in SCA patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated P-wave dispersion in SCA patients suggests potential left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.
- P-wave dispersion may be a useful tool for evaluating cardiac function in SCA.
- Further research is needed to determine its prognostic significance in long-term outcomes.
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