Kavthekar, Saiprasad OnkareshwarKavthekar, Swati SaiprasadBharati, Hemant PralhadPatil, Rahul RavsoKurane, Anil Bapurao2023-08-252023-08-252023-07Kavthekar Saiprasad Onkareshwar, Kavthekar Swati Saiprasad, Bharati Hemant Pralhad, Patil Rahul Ravso, Kurane Anil Bapurao. Assessment of QT Interval Abnormalities on Electrocardiogram in Children With Breath-Holding Spells. Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Jul; 60(7): 553-5560079-60610974-7559http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/225440Objective: To assess QT interval abnormalities among children with breath-holding spells. Methods: This case control study included 204 children (104 cases of breath-holding spells and 100 healthy children) younger than 3 years. Breath-holding spells were evaluated for age of onset, type (pallid/cyanotic), triggering factors, frequency and presence of family history. Twelve- lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) was analyzed for QT interval (QT), corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTD) and QTc dispersion (QTcD) in milliseconds. Results: The mean (SD) QT, QTc, QTD and QTcD interval in milliseconds were 320 (0.05), 420 (0.07), 61.15 (16.20), 102.3 (17.24), respectively for breath-holding spells as compared to control group [300 (0.02), 370 (0.03), 38.6(14.28), 78.6 (14.28), respectively] (P<0.001). Similarly, pallid breathholding spells had prolonged mean (SD) QT, QTc, QTD and QTcD interval in milliseconds [380 (0.04), 520 (0.08), 78.88 (10.78), 123.33 (10.28), respectively] as compared to cyanotic spells [310 (0.04), 400 (0.04), 57.44 (14.64), 97.90 (15.03), respectively] (P<0.001). The mean QTc interval was 590 (0.03) and 400 (0.04) milliseconds in prolonged and non-prolonged QTc group, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: Abnormal QT, QTc, QTD and QTcD were observed among children with breath-holding spells. ECG should be strongly considered, especially in pallid, frequent spells occurring at younger age and having positive family history, to identify long QT syndrome.EvaluationLong QT syndromeManagementOutcomeJournal ArticleIndiaDepartment of Pediatrics, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, DY Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, MaharashtraSynapse Group of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Kolhapur, MaharashtraVimal Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Kolhapur, Maharashtra.