The index of “electrical quality of the heart” allows predicting the degree of risk of fatal cardiogenic conditions in children and adolescents

The purpose of the research. The optimization of the method electrocardiogram’s interpretation (ECG) for diagnosis and prognosis of fatal cardiogenic situations among children and teenagers depending on the severity of myocardial electrical instability. Materials and methods. The authors propose to use a modified method for assessing the “electrical quality of the heart”, proposed by A. N. Volobuev and co-authors in order to assess the electrical instability of the myocardium among children and teenagers. There is a formula which helps to estimate the index of “electrical quality factor of the heart” among children and teenagers: D=(aR/aT):(QT/QRS), where D is the index of “electrical quality factor of the heart”, aT and aR is the amplitude of R wave and T, QT — QT interval, QRS — interval, QRS. ECG was recorded in 12 leads, ECG assessment was carried out according to generally accepted rules. Results. Based on the analysis of 234 ECG of children and teenagers from the neonatal period to 18 years, the criteria of the average value of the index of “electrical quality factor of the heart” (D) were defined, D =1,09 +/- 0,03. It is proved that the value of the index “electrical quality factor of the heart” does not depend on the sex and age of the child. There was a decrease in the index of “electrical quality factor of the heart” was revealed among children with the lengthening of the QT interval. Conclusion. The index of “electrical quality factor of the heart” in pediatric practice allows to predict the risk of fatal cardiogenic conditions, to develop tactics of dynamic monitoring of patients, to evaluate the efficiency of treatment. When D<0.55 it is possible to predict high risk, at a value of 0.55≤D<0.80 — average risk, and at D≥0.80 — low risk of fatal cardiogenic conditions among children and teenagers.