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Electrocardiographic changes after recovery from measles
Abstract:
Children with measles seen at our hospital had an initial electrocardiogram (ECG) and a repeat after 3 months. The patients were aged 5 months to 8 years (mean 19 months). The ECG changes observed after clinical recovery included T-wave inversion in eight patients (16%), flattening in eight patients (16%), prolonged PR interval in six (12%), prolonged Q-Tc in three (6%) and low QRS amplitude in four (8%). At least one ECG change was present in 18 patients (36%) after recovery, 14 of these were due to persistence of the changes noted during measles. The implication of above findings and the need for a longer-term follow-up study are discussed.
Insights
Pediatric measles can cause lingering electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, even after recovery. A significant percentage of children showed persistent ECG abnormalities, highlighting the need for further cardiac monitoring in measles patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Measles is a viral illness that can affect multiple organ systems.
- Cardiac involvement in pediatric measles is not fully understood.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities have been reported during acute measles infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the persistence of electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in children after clinical recovery from measles.
- To determine the incidence and types of ECG abnormalities following measles infection in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving children aged 5 months to 8 years diagnosed with measles.
- Initial electrocardiogram (ECG) performed during hospitalization.
- Repeat ECG performed 3 months after clinical recovery.
Main Results:
- 36% of patients exhibited at least one ECG abnormality at 3-month follow-up.
- Common persistent changes included T-wave inversion (16%) and flattening (16%).
- Prolonged PR interval (12%), prolonged Q-Tc (6%), and low QRS amplitude (8%) were also observed.
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of children experience persistent ECG changes for at least 3 months post-measles recovery.
- These findings suggest potential subclinical cardiac sequelae of measles in children.
- Longer-term follow-up studies are warranted to assess the clinical significance and resolution of these post-measles ECG abnormalities.