Predictive value of electrocardiographic markers in children with dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) refers to a heterogeneous group of cardiomyopathies characterized by ventricular dilatation and myocardial systolic dysfunction, which can lead to serious consequences such as malign arrhythmia, sudden death, heart failure, and thromboembolism. With its economical, non-invasive, simple and reproducible advantages, electrocardiogram (ECG) has become an important indicator for assessing the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, more and more studies of electrocardiography on DCM have been carried out, but there is still a lack of a comprehensive summary of its prognostic value. This article reviews the prognostic value of electrocardiographic markers in children with DCM.

The impact of fragmented QRS on clinical findings and outcomes in children with dilated cardiomyopathy with or without left ventricular non-compaction

“…In fact, myocardial damage and scar formation in dilated cardiomyopathy patients are increasing over time, the fragmented QRS is manifested as a result of altered myocardial activation due to fibrosis and scar repair. 18 In our study, the older age at diagnosis of patients with fragmented QRS might be related to this process. It must be kept in mind that patients may already have myocardial damage at the time of diagnosis.…”

“…17 The fragmented QRS is a new finding on the ECG; however, the results of multiple studies support that the fragmented QRS is associated with myocardial fibrosis, and it might be important for predicting a worse prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. 18 In our cohort, the median age at the time of diagnosis among dilated cardiomyopathy patients with and without left ventricular non-compaction was 6 months and 18 months, respectively. The fragmented QRS group had an older age at diagnosis in both patient groups (dilated cardiomyopathy with and without left ventricular non-compaction).…”