[Long QT syndrome: an underestimated cause of sudden infant death]

Arch Pediatr. 2009 Apr;16(4):373-80. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2008.12.025. Epub 2009 Feb 13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited arrhythmia that can be sporadic or familial. It predisposes to sudden cardiac death by ventricular fibrillation, which can occur at any age, particularly in neonates. Recent postmortem molecular screening surveys have shown that 10 to 12% of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases were potentially related to congenital long QT syndrome. Current SIDS etiological surveys fail to diagnose LQTS. Specific questioning and electrocardiographic screening of first-degree relatives could greatly facilitate LQTS diagnosis. We propose adding these to screening modalities after a SIDS incident. Neonatal electrocardiographic screening could allow early identification of LQTS and adapted treatment and follow-up.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Electrocardiography
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Long QT Syndrome / complications*
  • Long QT Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Long QT Syndrome / genetics
  • Neonatal Screening
  • Phenotype
  • Sudden Infant Death / etiology*