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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Influence of mode of delivery on neonatal QTc
Christina Eder1, Stephan Gerling1, Susanne Brandstetter1
1University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany.
Objective:
To evaluate the influence of mode of delivery on repolarisation and QT interval in the neonatal electrocardiogram (ECG).
Study Design:
KUNO-Kids is a prospective, population-based birth cohort study. Neonates received an ECG within the first week of life; subgroups were divided according to mode of delivery. Effects on neonatal QT interval were tested by linear and logistic regression analyses, adjusting for age at ECG recording.
Results:
In total, 712 neonates were included. The primary caesarean section group showed a significant higher mean QTc (regression coefficient 6.03, p = 0.033) and a significantly increased rate of prolonged QTc >450 ms (odds ratio 2.4, p = 0.042), compared to the spontaneous delivery group.
Conclusion:
The mode of delivery has a significant effect on neonatal QTc. Clinicians should consider this influence when deciding on postnatal and follow-up examinations, regarding additional risk factors for acquired long QT interval.
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