Analysis of QRS complex morphology in children and adolescents with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that male children and adolescents with OSAS have a combination of QRS complex changes characterized by low QRS voltages, and increased frequency of fragmented QRS. These findings reflect that the electrical remodeling and structural remodeling of the myocardium are considerably affected by OSAS in children and adolescents, leading to ventricular changes and intraventricular conduction problems.What is Known:• Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) characterized by recurrent intermittent hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and sleep fragmentation results in sympathetic nervous system activation, increased inflammation, and hypoxic endothelial dysfunction. When left untreated, OSAS leads to many cardiov ascular, neurologic, metabolic and neurocognitive consequences, and also to sudden infant death syndrome in young children, probably due to the involvement of the cardiac conduction system.What is New:• This study demonstrated that mean QRSmax was significantly lower in male children and adolescents with OSAS, reflecting the structural and electrical remodeling of the myocardium, and one boy with OSAS had RVH according to ECG-derived analysis. The percentage of fQRS or notched R or S waves was much higher in boys with OSAS, especially in children below the age of five years. These finding showed that myocardium was considerably affected to impair the intraventricular conduction in younger children with OSAS.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research