Evaluation of Early Repolarization Pattern in Children with Mitral Valve Prolapse

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Valvular Heart Disease

Background:

• Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
• Early repolarization pattern (ERP) on ECG may predict ventricular arrhythmias in MVP patients.
• Evaluation of ERP in children with MVP is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of early repolarization pattern (ERP) in children diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
• To assess the association between ERP and clinical symptoms in children with MVP.
• To determine if ERP is more common in children with MVP compared to healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study comparing 70 children with MVP to 70 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
• Echocardiography was used to confirm MVP diagnosis.
• Standard 12-lead ECGs were recorded and assessed by two blinded cardiologists.

Main Results:

• ERP was detected in 17.14% of children with MVP versus 11.43% in the control group (P=0.23).
• ERP occurred more frequently in patients with moderate MVP compared to mild or severe MVP.
• Chest pain and palpitations were more common in children with severe MVP.

Conclusions:

• Children with MVP exhibit a higher incidence of ERP, particularly those with chest pain.
• The findings suggest that children with MVP require careful follow-up due to the potential for arrhythmias.
• Early repolarization pattern in pediatric MVP warrants further investigation for its prognostic significance.