Discuss a systematic approach to rhythm interpretation. Pediatric and neonatal ecg interpretation follows the same principles as ecg interpretation in adults, but there are important differences. Pediatric ecg interpretation an illustrated guide pdf. Awareness of these differences is the key to correct interpretation of paediatric. The ability to interpret the paediatric electrocardiogram ecg correctly is a skill of value to all doctors who treat children, whether acutely or electively.
To appropriately display right ventricular potentials, ecgs for children in the under five. These differences are largely explained by the dramatic physiological and anatomical changes that take place during infancy and childhood. Pediatric ecg interpretation lecture is only an introduction to electrocardiography, focusing on the important points the pediatricians, pediatric residents, or primary cares need to know. Awareness of these differences is the key to correct interpretation of paediatric electrocardiograms. Paediatric ecg interpretation litfl medical blog ecg library. To guide staff to interpret electrocardiograms in children. Paediatric ecg s interpretation requires a different approach to adult ecg interpretation. There is the potential for computer support in the interpretation of the paediatric ecg, sparing the interpreter the need to consult these tables or memorise large. Interpretation of pediatric ecgs is limited by lack of accurate sex and racespecific normal reference values obtained with modern technology. The basis for a properly performed ekg is lead placement. This is a basic plus course, cpd approved by rcpch, that will upskill clinicians and allied health professionals in neonatal and paediatric electrocardiogram. Common indications for paediatric electrocardiography.
Deal, johnsrude and buck aim to address this issue by illustrating many of the ecg patterns a pediatric practitioner is likely to encounter. Pediatric ecg interpretation university of florida. Measured values can be expressed either as sec or msec. Pediatric ecg interpretation an illustrative guide pdf.
Simplified pediatric electrocardiogram interpretation evans et al 3 figure 4. Paediatric ecg interpretation in the emergency department. Features that would be diagnosed as abnormal in an adults electrocardiogram may be normal, age related changes in a paediatric trace. The ecg is an important clue to underlying disease and it is important to get an ecg in children presenting with syncope, seizures, palpitations, chest pain, overdose and specific. Describe the process for interpretation of a 12 lead ecg.
Paediatric ecg interpretation litfl medical blog ecg. Practical pediatric electrocardiography pdf download pediatric ecg interpretation. Ecg lead placement in young children, the right ventricle normally extends to the right side of the sternum. Pdf we describe a simplified method for interpreting a pediatric electrocardiogram ekg. Pdf simplified pediatric electrocardiogram interpretation. Pearls in clinical pediatrics pdf free medical books. Several studies have investigated the accuracy of pediatric ecg interpretation in the emergency. Evaluate the pr, qrs, and qt intervals using lead ii or the lead with the least artifact, inspect the pr, qrs, and qt intervals. Clinical pediatrics simplified pediatric electrocardiogram. This guide describes the criteria that the mortara instrument veritas adult and pediatric resting ecg interpretation algorithm utilizes to analyze and provide interpretive statements for 12lead ecgs. Adult descriptions are detailed in the first sections of this guide. Adult criteria are considered for patient ages 16 years and older.
The method uses 4 steps and requires only a few memorized. The normal value of the qt interval in pediatric ecg. The normal ecg changes as the child grows and the heart develops. The most dramatic changes occur during the first year of life. Simplified pediatric electrocardiogram interpretation. At birth, the right ventricle is larger and thicker than the left ventricle, reflecting the greater physiological stresses placed upon it in utero i.