QTc Interval Dispersion in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Case-Control Study From Iran
Ahmad Talebian1, Ali Mohammad Shakiba1, Adele Malekipoor2
1Department of Pediatrics, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
Insights
Children with epilepsy under five years old showed higher QT interval corrected dispersion (QTcd), while those on antiepileptic drugs had lower QTcd. These findings highlight cardiac monitoring needs in pediatric epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- QT interval corrected dispersion (QTcd) assesses ventricular repolarization heterogeneity and arrhythmic risk.
- QTcd is implicated in various neurologic and cardiac conditions.
- Pediatric epilepsy presents potential cardiac risks requiring investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare QTcd in children with epilepsy versus healthy controls.
- To investigate the influence of age and antiepileptic drug (AED) use on QTcd in pediatric epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 50 children with epilepsy and 50 matched controls.
- Manual measurement of QTcd from 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs).
- Statistical analysis using SPSS version 22.
Main Results:
- No significant overall difference in QTcd between children with epilepsy and controls.
- Significantly higher QTcd in epileptic children under five years old compared to controls.
- Significantly lower QTcd in epileptic children on AEDs versus those not on treatment.
Conclusions:
- While overall QTcd did not differ, age (under five) and AED use significantly impact QTcd in pediatric epilepsy.
- Findings underscore the importance of cardiac evaluation in young epilepsy patients.
- Early cardiac assessment and intervention are crucial for children with epilepsy.
Introduction:
QT interval corrected dispersion (QTcd) reflects the heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization and has been proposed as a marker for arrhythmic risk in various neurologic and cardiac conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate QTcd differences between children with epilepsy and healthy controls, with attention to age and antiepileptic drug use.
Methods:
A case-control study was conducted on 50 children with epilepsy and 50 age- and sex-matched control children admitted to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan in 2019. QTcd was manually measured from 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results:
No overall significant difference was observed in QTcd between groups (p > 0.05). However, children with epilepsy under 5 years of age had significantly higher QTcd than controls of the same age (p = 0.014). Moreover, QTcd was significantly lower in children with epilepsy receiving medication compared with those not on treatment (p = 0.026).
Conclusion:
Although overall QTcd did not differ significantly between epileptic and control children, age under five and antiepileptic drug use significantly influenced QTcd. These findings suggest the importance of cardiac evaluation and early treatment in younger patients with epilepsy.
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