Associations between epilepsy, respiratory impairment, and minor ECG abnormalities in children

Objective

We sought to examine the effects of acute seizures and respiratory derangement on the cardiac electrical properties reflected on the electrocardiogram (ECG); and to analyze their potential interactions with a diagnosis of epilepsy in children.

Methods

Emergency center (EC) visits with seizure or epilepsy diagnostic codes from 1/2011–12/2013 were included if they had ECG within 24 h of EC visit. Patients were excluded if they had pre-existing cardiac conditions, ion channelopathy, or were taking specific cardiac medications. Control subjects were 1:1 age and gender matched. Abnormal ECG was defined as changes in rhythm, PR, QRS, or corrected QT intervals; QRS axis or morphology; ST segment; or T wave morphology from normal standards. We identified independent associations between clinical factors and abnormal ECG findings using multivariable logistic regression modeling.

Results

Ninety-five children with epilepsy presented to the EC with seizures, respiratory distress, and other concerns. Three hundred children without epilepsy presented with seizures. There was an increased prevalence of minor ECG abnormalities in children with epilepsy (49 %) compared to the control subjects (29 %) and those without epilepsy (36 %). Epilepsy (OR: 1.61, 95 %CI: 1.01–2.6), need for supplemental oxygen (OR 3.06, 95 % CI: 1.45–6.44) or mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.5, 95 % CI: 1.03–6.05) were independently associated with minor ECG abnormalities. Secondary analyses further demonstrated an independent association between level of respiratory support and ECG abnormalities only in the epilepsy group.

Significance

Independent association of increased respiratory support with minor ECG abnormalities suggests a potential respiratory influence on the hearts of children with epilepsy.