Pattern Variation in Electrocardiogram T wave of Apparently Healthy in-School Children in Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
Kanayo M. Odia *
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Eric O. Aigbogun Jr. *
Department of Human Anatomy, Kampala International University, West Campus, Ishaka, Uganda.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns are graphical recordings of voltage versus time of the electrical waves of the heart using a resting 12-lead ECG machine. In children, ECG misinterpretation remains a problem and can result in clinical mismanagement. In electrocardiography, the T-wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles. This study aims to determine the T-wave inversion variation pattern in apparently healthy in-school Nigerian children in Choba.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional was carried out to determine pattern variations in T-wave inversion in in-school children across sex, age, and height. A simple random sampling method was used to select subjects from Primary 1 to 6. A total of 135 in-school children were recruited from a population of 203 from 2 primary schools in Choba. The subjects were randomly sampled across two sex groups (boys and girls) and three age groups (5-8, 9-11, and 12-14). Trends in weight, height, and blood pressure were also observed. A resting 12-lead electrocardiograph, a seca standiometer, a mercury sphygmomanometer cuffs, and a stethoscope were used. Data was collected using standard methods. The procedures were conducted by competent personnel.
Results: The girls have significantly higher mean age, height, weight, and systolic blood pressure than boys (p<0.01). Diastolic blood pressure between boys and girls showed no significant difference (p<0.005). The distribution of T wave inversion has no sexual preference (×2=0.702; p=0.873). The result also showed a correlation between measured variables in the study population. More V1-V2 T-wave inversion was found in both sexes compared with other T-wave inversions.
Conclusion: The T-wave inversion pattern in respondents is such that 11.85% had no inversion;16.3% had in V1 only, 24.96% had in V1& V2 and 28.89% had in V1, V2 &V3 precordial leads. Therefore, we consider T-wave inversion as normal findings in apparently healthy children.
Keywords: ECG, T-wave Inversion, children
How to Cite
Downloads
References
Ware WA, Bonagura JD, Scansen BA. Electrocardiography. InCardiovascular Disease in Companion Animals. CRC Press. 2021;135-166.
Ammouri Z, Mouhaoui M. Enhancing Emergency ECG Interpretation: A practical checklist developed from a study assessing young physicians’ diagnostic abilities. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases. 2023;13(9):534-49.
D'Ascenzi F, Anselmi F, Adami PE, Pelliccia A. Interpretation of T‐wave inversion in physiological and pathological conditions: current state and future perspectives. Clinical Cardiology. 2020;43 (8):827-33.
Afolabi-Brown O, Morris DL, Figueredo VM. Global T-wave inversion on electrocardiogram: what is the differential? Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine. 2014; 15(2):131-41.
Balta A, Ceasovschih A, Șorodoc V, Dimitriadis K, Güzel S, Lionte C, Stătescu C, Sascău RA, Mantzouranis E, Sakalidis A, Vlachakis PK. Broad electrocardiogram syndromes spectrum: from common emergencies to particular electrical heart disorders. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2022;12(11):1754.
Andrag L, De Decker R. Pattern recognition in pediatric ECGs: The hidden secrets to clinical diagnosis. Continuing Medical Education. 2011;29(11-12):452-5.
Steve Goodacre and Karen Mcleod, Paediatric electrocardiography. BMS Publishing Group, BMS. 2002;8:324 (7350): 1382-1385. PMID; 12052812.
Papadakis M, Basavarajaiah S, Rawlins J, Edwards C, Makan J, Firoozi S, Carby L, Sharma S. Prevalence and significance of T-wave inversions in predominantly Caucasian adolescent athletes. European Heart Journal. 2009;30(14):1728-35.
Asiwe N, Irozulike FC, Wariboko LI, Adheke OM. Health Assessment of the Ikwerres and Okrikas Ethnic Group of Rivers State, Nigeria: Using Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Hip Ratio. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research. 2023;23(2):27-35.
Hamidu LJ, Okoro EO, Ali MA. Blood pressure profile in Nigerian children. East African Medical Journal. 2000;77(4).
Manyike PN, Ukoh UC, Okike CO, Chinawa JM, Obi IE. Blood pressure profile in children aged 3-5 years: Relationship to age, weight, height, gender and body mass index. South African Journal of Child Health. 2014;8(3):100-3.
Barba G, Casullo C, Dello Russo M, Russo P, Nappo A, Lauria F, Siani A. Gender-related differences in the relationships between blood pressure, age, and body size in prepubertal children. American journal of hypertension. 2008;21(9):1007-10.
Ahrens W, Bammann K, De Henauw S, Halford J, Palou A, Pigeot I, Siani A, Sjöström M, European Consortium of the IDEFICS Project. Understanding and preventing childhood obesity and related disorders—IDEFICS: A European multilevel epidemiological approach. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2006;16(4):302-8.
Aro AL, Anttonen O, Tikkanen JT, Junttila MJ, Kerola T, Rissanen HA, Reunanen A, Huikuri HV. Prevalence and prognostic significance of T-wave inversions in right precordial leads of a 12-lead electrocardiogram in the middle-aged subjects. Circulation. 2012;125(21):2572-7.
Anselmi F, Cangiano N, Fusi C, Berti B, Franchini A, Focardi M, Cameli M, Capitani M, Bonifazi M, Mondillo S, D'Ascenzi F. The determinants of positivization of anterior T-wave inversion in children. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 2020;61(11):1548-54.