QT Interval Changes in Children With Febrile Convulsion Compared With Healthy
Noor Mohammad Noori1, Ali Khajeh1, Alireza Teimouri1
1Children and Adolescent Health Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Science in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Zahedan, Iran.
Insights
Febrile convulsion (FC) in children significantly alters QT interval measurements, specifically corrected QT (QTc) and dispersion QT (QTcd). These changes highlight potential cardiac implications in febrile seizures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Febrile seizure (FS) is a common childhood condition often associated with temperature elevations.
- The QT interval, a measure of cardiac repolarization, can be affected by various physiological states, including febrile illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare QT interval parameters in children experiencing febrile convulsions (FC) versus healthy controls.
- To identify specific electrocardiographic (ECG) changes associated with FC.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 180 children, equally divided into FC and control groups.
- ECG measurements of QT interval parameters were performed and interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist.
- Data analysis utilized SPSS software with a significance level of P<0.05.
Main Results:
- Children with FC showed significant differences in heart rate (HR), R in aVL, S in V3, left ventricular mass (LVM), QTd, QTc, and QTcd compared to controls.
- Abnormalities in QTc (P<0.001) and QTcd (P<0.001) were significantly more frequent in children with FC.
- While LVM was significantly higher in children over 24 months with FC (P<0.001), other QT parameters did not show significant age-related variations within the FC group.
Conclusions:
- Corrected QT (QTc), dispersion QT (QTd), and corrected-dispersion QT (QTcd) are significantly altered in children with febrile convulsions.
- These QT interval changes in FC patients were consistent across different age groups within the study.
- The findings suggest a potential link between febrile convulsions and cardiac repolarization abnormalities.
Introduction:
Febrile seizure is a temperature-related seizure that affects the QT interval. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the QT interval caused by febrile convulsion (FC) compared with healthy children.
Methods:
This case-control study examined 180 children equally distributed between patients and controls. The study was conducted at the Ali Ebne Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan City, Iran. The disease was diagnosed and confirmed based on standard definitions of FC. QT interval was measured by ECG and interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist, and collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19 with a 0.05 significant level.
Results:
Among the ECG parameters, HR, R in aVL, S in V3, LVM, QTd, QTc, and QTcd were significantly different in children with FCs compared to their peers. From those who had abnormal QTd, FC children were more frequent which was not significant (χ2=1.053, P=0.248), while children with FC had significantly more abnormality regarding QTc (χ2=13.032, P<0.001) and QTcd (χ2=21.6, P<0.001). In children with FC, those who were less than 12 months had the highest level of HR which was not significant (χ2=4.59, P=0.101). Similar trends occurred for R in aVL and S in V3 that were higher in the age group >24 months (P>0.05). Children in the age group of >24 months had significantly had the highest LVM (χ2=52.674, P<0.001) and the other QT parameters were the same in FC children with different age groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion:
It is concluded that dispersion corrected QT, corrected QT, and dispersion QT changed significantly in children with FC in comparison with the healthy children with constant values in children with FC in different age groups.
Highlights:
Corrected QT, dispersion QT and corrected-dispersion QT changed in children with febrile convulsion.Among the children with abnormal dispersion QT, febrile convulsion were not seen more when children with febrile convulsion (FC) were more in abnormality levels of QTc and QTcd.
Plain Language Summary:
The study aimed to evaluate changes in electrocardiography parameters in children with febrile convulsion and found positive correlation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:13Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:26Patterns of Fever
01:29Electrocardiogram
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
01:28Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...