The usefulness of surface electrocardiogram as a prognostic predictor in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

We investigated the interrelations between surface electrocardiographic changes and clinical outcomes in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). 33 patients (19 boys, 14 girls) were classified into two groups; group I (15) who were in poor clinical status or dead; and group II (18) who showed good clinical status. Group I had larger LV dimensions compared to group II (Gr I vs. Gr II; LVEDD, 52 +/-11 vs. 42+/-7 (mm); LVESD, 43+/-12 vs. 30+/-5 (mm); p<0.05). QRS duration was prolonged in Gr I compared to Gr II and normal (Gr I, 84+/-28; Gr II, 66+/-12; normal control, 67+/-9). The QRS duration was correlated with the dimensions of left ventricle (LV). Corrected QT and JT interval and dispersions of QT in the DCMP group showed a significant difference compared to the normal control, however there was no significant difference between Gr I and II. In conclusion, QRS duration was correlated with ventricular dimension and clinical outcome in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Irrespective of increased ventricular inhomogeneity, QT dispersion could not be used to predict long-term prognosis.