Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
Published on: April 5, 2011
[Transitory prolongation of QT time in severely ill premature and newborn infants]
J C Möller1, F K Tegtmeyer, T Rose
1Klinik für Kinderheilkunde der Medizinischen Universität zu Lübeck.
Insights
Transient QT-time prolongation was observed in newborns, with asphyxia potentially linked to this condition in six cases. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of this electrocardiogram finding.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Abstract:
Over 24 months in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 118 electrocardiograms were recorded in the first three days of life. 12 preterm and term newborns had a corrected QT-time-prolongation over 0.44 s. Measurement of the ionized calcium level in these children revealed hypocalcemia in only four as a reason for QT-time-prolongation. One child had hypokalemia, one child suffered from accidental Bupivacain injection. In the other six children no known reasons for QT-time-prolongation could be found. The QT-time-prolongation persisted for a maximum of three months, no inherited QT-syndrome existed. We discuss a correlation of these transitory QT-time-prolongation with asphyxia which preexisted in all six children. Influences on catecholamine receptors of myocardium or changes in central sympathicotonus may be assumed.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Duration of Dose-Effect Relationship
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Influence of Elimination Half-Life on Effect Duration
Cardiac Action Potential
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

