PEDIATRICS Vol. 61 No. 6 June 1978, pp. 877-882
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Q-oTc Interval and Blood Calcium Levels in Newborn Infants

George P. Giacoia M.D.1 and Henry R. Wagner M.D.1

1 Divisions of Neonatology and Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo

The interval from the beginning of the Q wave to the origin of the T wave (Q-oTc interval) and total and ionized serum calcium levels were measured in 27 full-term and 77 premature infants. The correlation between Q-oTc and total and ionized calcium levels was significant in both full-term and normal premature infants. No correlation was found in a group of critically ill premature infants, most of whom had evidence of CNS involvement. Constant infusion of calcium gluconate in a number of infants belonging to the latter group produced a significant shortening of the Q-oTc interval. It is speculated that the lack of correlation of Q-oTc interval and total or ionized calcium levels in sick premature infants could be explained on the basis of a dysfunction in cardiac sympathetics or alternatively by marked variations in serum catecholamines.

Submitted on July 13, 1977
Accepted on October 21, 1977