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[Total electrical alternans and changes in auricular repolarization in a newborn infant]
N García Hernández1, B Espinosa Caleti
1Hospital de Cardiología, CMN Siglo XXI. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México, D.F.
Archivos Del Instituto De Cardiologia De Mexico
|July 1, 1996
Summary
This study presents a premature infant with AV block Möbitz type II, highlighting transient electrical alternans. Metabolic and electrolytic disturbances, along with hypoxia and hypothermia, are identified as potential triggers in immature hearts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neonatal Electrophysiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Presentation of a 3-day-old premature female infant with Atrioventricular (AV) block, specifically Mobitz type II.
- The infant presented with a structurally normal heart, making the electrophysiological findings particularly noteworthy.
Observation:
- Progressive abnormal atrial repolarization was observed during monitoring.
- Transient total electrical alternans involving the P wave, QRS complex, ST segment, and T wave were evident.
Findings:
- Retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis revealed multiple metabolic and electrolytic disturbances associated with the observed electrical alternans.
- Hypoxia, hypothermia, and a prolonged QT interval were identified as potential triggering factors in this immature cardiac system.
Implications:
- Highlights the complex interplay between metabolic disturbances and cardiac electrical instability in premature neonates.
- Suggests the need for vigilant monitoring and prompt management of metabolic and environmental factors in neonates with conduction abnormalities.
- Contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of electrical alternans in immature hearts, informing clinical management strategies.