Electrocardiographic findings in Iranian children with severe chronic anemia. Observations in iron deficiency, thalassemia major, and miscellaneous other anemic states.

Abstract

The electrocardiograms of 60 children with severe chronic anemia of vari ous etiologies are reviewed. Twenty-five had repeated electrocardiograms during or after treatment. Abnormal electrocardiograms consistent with mild ischemia secondary to impaired oxygen delivery were found in 11 patients, ten of whom belonged to a low socioeconomic group. The elec trocardiographic changes were variable, relatively infrequent, and mild. They improved or disappeared in eight of the 11 patients, after treatment.