Evaluation of Arrhythmia Risk in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are susceptible to cardiac arrhythmias and even sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to explore the risk of arrhythmia among children with T1DM by assessing electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters.

Methods: Children diagnosed with T1DM, aged 10-18 years, and healthy children matched for age and gender were included. The ECG ventricular depolarization-repolarization parameters of both groups and the correlation of these parameters with length of time since diagnosis of T1DM, markers of metabolic control, and the presence of additional complications were evaluated.

Results: There were 165 children with type 1 diabetes and 154 controls in the groups, which were similar in for age, gender, weight, height, and body mass index. The median length of time since diagnosis of diabetes was 5 years. QT (maximum), QTc (minimum and maximum), QT and QTc dispersion, Tp-e (minimum and maximum), Tp-e dispersion, and Tp-e/QTc-maximum values were significantly higher in the diabetic group compared with controls, although QTc intervals were within normal ranges. No significant correlation was observed between ECG findings and length of time since diagnosis of T1DM, HbA1c levels, or complications.

Conclusion: As children with T1DM are at high risk of impaired ventricular depolarization and repolarization, they should undergo cardiac assessment and regular annual ECG monitoring.