Until recently the most comprehensive study of electrocardiographic variables in childhood was that of Davignon 1 based on measurements made on 2141 white children in Quebec, Canada. Equally, daily practice suggests that computer generated reports not infrequently identify an abnormality where none exists. However, there is published evidence 6 which shows that some abnormalities are missed both by computer interpretation and by paediatric emergency department doctors. 1– 3 There is the potential for computer support in the interpretation of the paediatric ECG, 4, 5 sparing the interpreter the need to consult these tables or memorise large quantities of age dependant variables. Correct interpretation of the ECG is therefore potentially difficult and a detailed knowledge of these age dependent changes is critically important if errors are to be avoided.Įxtensive tables or centile charts of normal values in relation to age of patient are available. The basic principles of interpretation of the ECG in children are identical to those in adults, but the progressive changes in anatomy and physiology which take place between birth and adolescence result in some features which differ significantly from the normal adult pattern and vary according to the age of the child. Frequently the request is made by practitioners with no particular expertise in cardiology. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be requested as part of the investigation of a wide range of problems in paediatrics, often in patients who have no clinical evidence of cardiac disease.
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