title: Long on QT and low on calcium.
abstract: Acquired lengthening of the QT interval due to hypocalcaemia is a rare cause of arrhythmia in childhood. Early recognition, rapid institution of appropriate cardiac monitoring, and replacement therapy are essential. An endocrinal work-up may be necessary to exclude primary disorders of calcium metabolism. We report four cases documenting the varied clinical spectrum in which hypocalcaemic-induced prolongation of the QT interval and arrhythmia can occur in childhood.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Metzger
authors.forename: Shubhayan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sanatani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000150:complications*; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male