Children of Diabetic Mothers Electrocardiographic Studies in the Newborn

Summary In the belief that the adrenal hyperplasia often seen in the children of diabetic mothers is associated with hyperfunction of the adrenal glands and that it may disturb the electrolyte balance and thereby also disturbs cardiac function, 15 children of diabetic mothers were examined. The investigation included an analysis of serial electrocardiograms traced in the neonatal period. In 4 cases the serum potassium was also determined. Abnormal electrocardiograms were seen in 11 cases. The electrocardiographic changes resembled those seen in hypopotassemia. The cause of this disturbance of the electrolyte metabolism is discussed.