Pattern Variation in Electrocardiogram T wave of Apparently Healthy in-School Children in Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns are graphical recordings of voltage versus time of the electrical waves of the heart using a resting 12-lead ECG machine. In children, ECG misinterpretation remains a problem and can result in clinical mismanagement. In electrocardiography, the T-wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles. This study aims to determine the T-wave inversion variation pattern in apparently healthy in-school Nigerian children in Choba.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional was carried out to determine pattern variations in T-wave inversion in in-school children across sex, age, and height. A simple random sampling method was used to select subjects from Primary 1 to 6. A total of 135 in-school children were recruited from a population of 203 from 2 primary schools in Choba. The subjects were randomly sampled across two sex groups (boys and girls) and three age groups (5-8, 9-11, and 12-14). Trends in weight, height, and blood pressure were also observed. A resting 12-lead electrocardiograph, a seca standiometer, a mercury sphygmomanometer cuffs, and a stethoscope were used. Data was collected using standard methods. The procedures were conducted by competent personnel.

Results: The girls have significantly higher mean age, height, weight, and systolic blood pressure than boys (p<0.01). Diastolic blood pressure between boys and girls showed no significant difference (p<0.005). The distribution of T wave inversion has no sexual preference (×2=0.702; p=0.873). The result also showed a correlation between measured variables in the study population. More V1-V2 T-wave inversion was found in both sexes compared with other T-wave inversions.

Conclusion: The T-wave inversion pattern in respondents is such that 11.85% had no inversion;16.3% had in V1 only, 24.96% had in V1& V2 and 28.89% had in V1, V2 &V3 precordial leads. Therefore, we consider T-wave inversion as normal findings in apparently healthy children.