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Long on QT and low on calcium

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 January 2005

Timothy J. Bradley ,
Daniel L. Metzger  and
Shubhayan Sanatani
Timothy J. Bradley
Affiliation:
Division of Cardiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
Daniel L. Metzger
Affiliation:
Division of Endocrinology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
Shubhayan Sanatani
Affiliation:
Division of Cardiology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
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Abstract

Acquired lengthening of the QT interval due to hypocalcaemia is a rare cause of arrhythmia in childhood. Early recognition, rapid institution of appropriate cardiac monitoring, and replacement therapy are essential. An endocrinal work-up may be necessary to exclude primary disorders of calcium metabolism. We report four cases documenting the varied clinical spectrum in which hypocalcaemic-induced prolongation of the QT interval and arrhythmia can occur in childhood.

Keywords

Acquired long QT syndromearrhythmiaatrioventricular blockhypocalcaemiatorsade de pointes
Type
Brief Report
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 14 , Issue 6 , December 2004 , pp. 667 - 670
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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