Ventricular dominance patterns in preterm infants
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V. Schmer
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine EKG and 2-D echocardiographic criteria of ventricular dominance in preterm infants and select those by which ventricular dominance could be established by EKG alone.
Methods: A database was constructed from EKG and 2-D echocardiographic measurements on preterm infants ranging in gestational ages from 23 to 34 weeks and birth weights from 555–2490g, and fullterm controls. Twelve-lead EKGs were obtained in the first 4 days of life in 12 preterm infants and in the first 24 hours of 4 controls. 2-D echocardiograms were performed with sweeps from the subcostal, parasternal, apical and suprasternal views and M-mode measurements in the short axis parasternal view on 11 of the preterm infants and 9 fullterm controls.
Results: A definite leftward QRS axis for the preterm infants (+19°, preterm; +133.75°, term; t = −5.63; p < 0.001) indicated a left ventricular (LV) dominance. But R/S in favor of LV dominance for preterm infants was apparent in V6 only. A pooled amplitude index for each ventricle based on R and S wave from V1, V2, V5, and V6 leads, showed LV dominance for the preterm infants with a trend toward RV dominance with increasing gestational age (F = 20.82; p < 0.001). RVD/LVED M-mode echo ratios confirmed the LV dominance in preterm infants.
Conclusion: A healthy full term infant is born with RV dominance. LV dominance with a trend toward RV dominance with increasing gestational age was found in preterm infants by EKG and echo criteria.
Copyright (c)1999 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG
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Articles in the same Issue
- Measurement of the amniotic fluid index with and without Color Doppler
- Comparison of delayed absorbable suture v nonabsorbable suture for treatment of incompetent cervix
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- Factors relating to readmission of term and near term neonates in the first two weeks of life
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- The diagnostic role of "in utero” magnetic resonance imaging
- Effect of dexamethasone, triiodothyronine and dimethyl-isopropyl-thyronine on lung maturation of the fetal rat lung
- Yolk sac size and shape as predictors of poor pregnancy outcome
