Prevalence of early repolarisation pattern in children.

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of early repolarisation ECG pattern (ER) has been repetitively determined in adults, but has not been reported in large unselected children populations so far.

METHODS

ECG from 1000 successive healthy children from birth to 17years old were prospectively recorded and analyzed. ER was defined by ≥0.1mV J point elevation in at least two contiguous inferior or lateral ECG leads. Correlations with age, gender, ethnic origin, physical activity, Sokolow index and heart rate were performed.

RESULTS

Prevalence of ER pattern was 23,6% (95% CI 21-26.2%) and increased after 8years of age. ER was independently correlated to a non Caucasian origin and a higher Sokolow index, but not to gender or level of physical activity. ER was independently correlated to an older age in children with heart rate <100bpm, and to a slower heart rate in children ≥8yo.

CONCLUSION

ER is present in a quarter of children of various age and is related to ethnic origin, an older age, a slower heart rate and a higher Sokolow index.