Normal values for the childhood signal-averaged ECG.

Abstract

To obtain normative data for the childhood signal-averaged ECG (SAECG), we obtained SAECGs in 155 volunteers, aged 5-15 years, using Frank leads and a Fourier transform filter. Unfiltered QRS duration (QRSDU) and filtered QRS duration (QRSDF) were significantly longer in males, and the root mean square of the terminal 40 ms (RMS40) was significantly higher in females. There were no gender differences in the duration of high frequency low amplitude signals < 40 microV (DHFLA). All SAECG variables were significantly related to body surface area (BSA). Regression models were established for SAECG variables. For males, the predicted mean + 1.96 standard deviations (SD) for QRSDF (97.5th centile) ranged from 114 ms at BSA 0.70 m2 to 123 ms at 1.90 m2. For females, the predicted mean + 1.96 SD for QRSDF ranged from 110 ms at BSA 0.70 m2 to 119 ms at 1.90 m2. For males and females, the predicted mean + 1.96 SD for DHFLA ranged from 34 ms at 0.70 m2 to 38 ms at 1.90 m2. For males, the predicted mean - 1.96 SD (2.5th centile) for RMS40 (based on natural logarithm model) ranged from 30 microV at 0.70 m2 to 15 microV at 1.90 m2. For females, the predicted mean -1.96 SD for RMS40 ranged from 42 microV at 0.70 m2 to 20 microV at 1.90 m2. In children 5-15 years of age, both gender and BSA need to be taken into account when interpreting the SAECG.