A Prospective Study on QT Dispersion in Neonates: A New Risk Factor

Background: QT dispersion (QTd) especially after ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction is a prognostic predictor of mortality, in adult medicine.  Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the correlation between QT dispersion and neonatal stress. Neonates were divided into 3 groups: normal term (30 cases), normal preterm (30 cases) and sick neonates (36 cases), born between October 2001 and June 2002 in Hafez and Nemazee Hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Electrocardiogram (12 leads) was obtained and QTd was calculated. Result: QT dispersion in sick neonates was significantly higher than normal neonates. The mean QTds in normal term group were 52.4± 24.47 ms in normal preterm, 69.3 ± 17.94ms and 100.8 ± 29.01ms in sick neonates.  In sick neonates, QTd correlated with the incidence rate of mortality.  Conclusions: It is concluded that QTd might be a prognostic factor for estimation of neonatal mortality.