Long QT syndrome: the necessity and practicability of electrocardiogram screening in infancy

Abstract

The occurrence rate of long QT syndrome is 1/2 000, which accounts for approximately 10% of cases of the sudden infant death syndrome.The morbidity is decreased after receiving appropriate therapy in early stage.Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening, with reliable results, is simple and feasible in infancy and can be used to conduct appropriate genetic testing.Neonatal screening is controversial because of individual differences in ECG results.Even there are some defects, it is still necessary to perform neonatal ECG screening which can improve prognosis in children with long QT syndrome. Key words: Long QT syndrome; Infant; Sudden cardiac death; Electrocardiogram screening