The Q-oTc and Q-Tc interval and ionized calcium in newborns.
Ionized calcium (CaF), Q-oTc and Q-Tc intervals were determined in 31 full-term healthy newborns, 12 infants subjected to blood exchange transfusion (ET) and 10 infants with verified clinical hypocalcaemia. There was no significant correlation between CaF values and QT intervals. The large fluctuations in CaF during ET did not correspond to any similar change in Q-oTc or Q-Tc intervals. The Q-oTc interval was slightly longer in the hypocalcaemic and the blood exchanged groups compared to controls. The Q-Tc interval was somewhat longer in the ET group. The differences in mean values for QT intervals were fairly small and the ranges wide. ECG findings lack practical implications in diagnosing and following neonatal hypocalcaemia and we therefore recommend the measurement of CaF as a guideline.
Nelson
N
N
Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Illés
L
L
D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D007231:Infant, Newborn
D002118:Calcium