title: Prevalence of J-point elevation in sudden arrhythmic death syndrome families.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of J-point elevation among the relatives of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) probands.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  J-point elevation is now known to be associated with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesized that this early repolarization phenomenon is an inherited trait responsible for a proportion of otherwise unexplained SADS cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Families of SADS probands were evaluated in an inherited arrhythmia clinic. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were analyzed for J-point elevation defined as >0.1 mV from baseline present in 2 or more of the inferior (II, III, and aVF) or lateral (1, aVL, V(4) to V(6)) leads. Electrocardiographic data were compared with those of 359 controls of a similar age, sex, and ethnic distribution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 363 first-degree relatives from 144 families were evaluated. J-point elevation in the inferolateral leads was present in 23% of relatives and 11% of control subjects (odds ratio: 2.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.66 to 3.90; p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  J-point elevation is more prevalent in the relatives of SADS probands than in controls. This indicates that early repolarization is an important potentially inheritable pro-arrhythmic trait or marker of pro-arrhythmia in SADS.
authors: The Heart Hospital, University College Hospital and Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University College London, London, England.
authors: Laurence M
authors: LM
authors: Nunn
authors: Justine
authors: J
authors: Bhar-Amato
authors: Martin D
authors: MD
authors: Lowe
authors: Peter W
authors: PW
authors: Macfarlane
authors: Pauline
authors: P
authors: Rogers
authors: William J
authors: WJ
authors: McKenna
authors: Perry M
authors: PM
authors: Elliott
authors: Pier D
authors: PD
authors: Lambiase
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics