QT-interval dispersion in malnourished children.

ABSTRACT

PIP: This study aims to determine electrocardiogram (ECG) QT-interval dispersion and its variability in malnourished children of Venezuela. The sample population consisted of 40 children (20 malnourished and 20 well nourished). A conventional ECG was performed for computing the heart rate, heart rate variability, corrected QT-interval, and QT-interval dispersion. In addition, blood samples were obtained to measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma protein, and plasma electrolyte concentrations. Findings showed that the corrected heart rate, heart rate variability, and QT-interval were similar in malnourished and well-nourished children. Moreover, malnourished children demonstrated a 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 electrolyte concentrations were lower in malnourished children. However, the ECG findings showed no statistical significant relationship with either blood parameters, the severity or type of malnutrition, and the size or the weight of the children.