Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients With Leptospirosis: A Clinical Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease with varied clinical presentations.
• Cardiovascular involvement is a significant concern in leptospirosis patients.
• Electrocardiography (ECG) is a practical and economical method for early detection of cardiac abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and types of ECG abnormalities in leptospirosis patients.
• To assess the association between ECG findings and disease severity.
• To evaluate the utility of ECG as an early diagnostic marker for cardiac involvement in leptospirosis.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 108 serologically confirmed leptospirosis patients.
• Standard 12-lead ECG recorded upon admission, with exclusion of patients with prior cardiac disease.
• Analysis of demographic data, serum electrolytes, and ECG abnormalities, correlating findings with disease severity.

Main Results:

• ECG abnormalities were prevalent in the majority of patients.
• Common findings included non-specific ST-T changes and myocarditis-like patterns.
• Myocarditis-pattern ECG changes were significantly associated with increased disease severity and mortality.

Conclusions:

• ECG abnormalities are frequent in leptospirosis and may indicate myocardial involvement.
• Routine ECG can aid in early identification of severe cases and guide management.
• Further research with echocardiography is recommended to determine the prognostic value of ECG findings.