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QT-interval dispersion in malnourished children
A J Fuenmayor1, R E Mora, A C Fuenmayor
1Cardiovascular Research Center, University of The Andes, Mérida, Venezuela.
Insights
QT-interval dispersion is increased in malnourished children, particularly in the precordial leads. This finding highlights potential cardiac risks associated with malnutrition in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Electrocardiography
Background:
- The electrocardiographic (ECG) QT interval and its variability are not well understood in malnourished children.
- Malnutrition can affect cardiac function, but its impact on QT interval parameters remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate QT interval and QT-interval dispersion in malnourished children.
- To determine if QT interval and its variability are increased in pediatric malnutrition.
Main Methods:
- Conventional ECGs were performed on 40 children (20 malnourished, 20 controls).
- Measurements included heart rate, heart rate variability, corrected QT interval, and QT-interval dispersion.
- Blood parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, protein, electrolytes) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Corrected QT interval and heart rate variability were similar between groups.
- Malnourished children exhibited greater corrected QT-interval dispersion, especially in precordial leads.
- Repolarization abnormalities (T and U waves) were observed in malnourished children, unrelated to blood parameters or malnutrition severity.
Conclusions:
- QT-interval dispersion is significantly increased in malnourished children.
- This increased dispersion is more pronounced in the precordial leads, suggesting localized repolarization issues.
Background:
Little is known about the electrocardiographic (ECG) QT interval and its variability in malnourished children.
Hypothesis:
The study of the QT interval and its dispersion in malnourished children was undertaken to determine whether the QT interval and its variability are increased in these children.
Methods:
In 40 children (20 malnourished and 20 controls) aged 12.2 +/- 14.4 months (23 male) a conventional ECG was performed for computing heart rate, heart rate variability, corrected QT interval, and QT-interval dispersion. A blood sample was obtained for measuring hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma protein, and plasma electrolytic concentrations.
Results:
Corrected heart rate, heart rate variability, and QT Interval were similar in both groups. When compared with the control group, the malnourished children had greater corrected QT-interval dispersion, and that dispersion was more accentuated in the precordial leads. They also had repolarization abnormalities (flattened or inverted T waves and U waves). Hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma protein, and plasma electrolytic concentrations were lower in the malnourished children. However, the ECG findings showed no statistically significant relationship with either the blood parameters, the severity or type of malnutrition, and the size or the weight of the children.
Conclusions:
QT-interval dispersion is increased in malnourished children and the dispersion is more accentuated in the precordial leads.