The Prognos tic Significance of the QRS Amplitudes of the Electrocardiogram in Kwashiorkor

Abstract

Summary: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were performed on 52 children with kwashiorkor and 52 age-and sex matched controls. Heart rates were higher (p<0.05) and QTc intervals longer (p<0.05) in patients with kwashiorkor than in the controls. The QRS amplitude in all the leads in patients with kwashiorkor was smaller (p<0.05) than those of the controls. The QRS amplitudes in the survivors were significantly wider (p<0.05) than in those of the patients who died. Average QRS amplitude of less than 5mm in the standard limb leads and less than 10mm in the chest leads indicated poor , prognosis.