Investigation of QT Dispersion and T-Peak to T-End/Corrected QT Ratio in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Introduction Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is characterized by hyperinflammation, heart involvement, and multiorgan failure, which develop following coronavirus disease 2019. Ventricular arrhythmias have been identified during this syndrome. It is known that the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is associated with ventricular repolarization changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the corrected QT interval, QT dispersion, T wave peak-to-end interval, and T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio in MIS-C. Methods The study included 35 patients diagnosed with MIS-C and 35 subjects as the control group. The ventricular diameters, ejection fraction, valve insufficiency, and coronary artery were examined in both groups using echocardiography. Corrected QT interval, QT dispersion, T wave peak-to-end interval, and T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio were determined by 12-lead electrocardiogram. Results The patient group had increased corrected QT interval (p<0.05), QT dispersion (p = 0.001), T-peak to T-end interval (p=0.001), and T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a correlation between increased QT dispersion, T-peak to T-end, T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio, and decreased ejection fraction (r = -0.51 and p = 0.001, r = -0.71 and p < 0.001, r = -0.69 and p < 0.001, r = -0.56 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Our study demonstrated increased QTc interval, QT dispersion, T-peak to T-end interval, T-peak to T-end/corrected QT ratio in MIS-C. This result may indicate an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia for these patients.