Correlation of anthropometric parameters with QTc interval in malnourished children

Various studies have reported the effect of severe malnutrition on electrolyte levels and electrocardiographic parameters. However, only a few have reported these findings in mild and moderate grades of malnutrition in children. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of malnutrition (mainly mild and moderate grades) on corrected QT interval (QTc) and QT dispersion (QTcd) and electrolyte changes. A total of 20 malnourished children in the age group of 2-11 yrs were enrolled in the study group and 20 age and sex matched healthy children were taken as controls. Anthropometry, serum levels of albumin & electrolytes were determined. QTc and QTcd (difference between maximum & minimum corrected QT interval) were measured with the help of RMS Polyrite D. Our results have shown that body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), serum levels of albumin, potassium & calcium were lower (P<0.01) in malnourished children. QTc (P<0.01) & QTcd (P<0.01) were significantly greater in malnourished children than controls. We concluded that increase in QTc and QTcd intervals is associated with electrolyte disturbances in malnourished children. Electrolyte disturbance correction and appropriate nutrition therapy followed by further cardiac evaluation must be taken into account in the management of these patients.