Prognostic value of ventricular repolarisation parameters in children with dilated cardiomyopathy

To evaluate the prognostic value of electrocardiographic ventricular repolarisation parameters in children with dilated cardiomyopathy.

A retrospective study was conducted involving 89 children with dilated cardiomyopathy [age 5.24 (4.32, 6.15) years] as the research group, and a control group consisting of 80 healthy children matched for age and sex. Within the research group, there were 76 cases in the survival subgroup and 13 cases in the death subgroup. Ventricular repolarisation parameters were measured.

(1) Compared to the control group, both QTcmax and QTcmin were significantly prolonged in the research group (P < 0.01). Additionally, Tp-Te /QT ratios for leads III, aVL, V1, V2, and V3 showed an increase (P < 0.05), while T-wave amplitudes for leads I, II, aVL, aVF, V4, V5, and V6 exhibited a decrease (P < 0.05). (2) In comparison to the survival subgroup, the diameters of the LV, RV, LA, and RA in the death subgroup were enlarged, while the left ventricular ejection fraction and eft ventricular fractional shortening were decreased (P < 0.05). The Tp-Te /QT ratios for leads aVR, V5, and V6 also increased notably (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The T-wave amplitude readings from leads II, aVF, and V6 demonstrated significant reductions (P < 0.05).

Abnormal ventricular repolarisation parameters were found in dilated cardiomyopathy children. Increased Tp-Te /QT ratios in aVR, V5, and V6 leads and decreased T-wave amplitudes in II, aVF, and V6 leads were risk factors for predicting mortality in children with dilated cardiomyopathy.