The value of QT interval in differentiating vasovagal syncope from epilepsy in children

Abstract

Abstract Background Both vasovagal syncope (VVS) and epilepsy present with transient loss of consciousness and are often difficult to identify. Hence this study aimed to explore the value of QT interval in the differentiation of VVS and epilepsy in children. Methods One hundred thirteen children with unexplained transient loss of consciousness were selected. 56 children with VVS (VVS group), including 37 males and 19 females, the average age is 9.88 ± 2.55 years old. 57 children with epilepsy (epilepsy group), including 36 males and 21 females, the average age is 8.96 ± 2.67 years old. At the same time, the 60 healthy individuals (control group) were examined according to age and sex. The QT interval of 12-lead electrocardiogram in a basal state of three groups was measured and statistically analyzed by SPSS 24.0 software. Results Compared with the control group, (1) QTcmax, QTcmin and QTcd were significantly longer in VVS group (P 0.05). (2) The QTmax and QTmin were significantly shorter in epilepsy group (P 0.05). Compared with the epilepsy group, The QTcmax, QTcmin, QTcd were significantly longer in VVS group (P 0.05). When QTcmax > 479.84 ms, QTcmin > 398.90 ms and QTcd > 53.56 ms, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing VVS were 62.5% and 77.19%, 82.14% and 50.88%, 82.14% and 38.60% respectively. Conclusion QTcmax, QTcmin and QTcd have certain value in differentiating VVS from epilepsy in children.

Keywords

• Vasovagal syncope
• Epilepsy
• Electrocardiography
• QT interval
• Differential diagnosis
• Children