Comparison Between Cardio-Electrophysiological Balance Index and Corrected Values in Different Age Groups Among School-Age Children

Abstract

Objective: The index of cardio-electrophysiological balance (iCEB) is a new non-invasive marker that can be used to predict malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Pediatric studies on iCEB are limited in number. Our study aimed to determine the range of its values in different age groups among school-age children. Material and Methods: The study included patients aged 5-17 admitted to Gülhane Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Cardiology Outpatient Clinic between March 2020 and March 2022 without a history of chronic disease, cardiac disease, arrhythmia, or cardiac surgery. Participants were categorised into ages 5-8, 9-12, and 13-17. The iCEB and iCEBc values were calculated and compared between groups. Results: The total number of 1303 cases were categorised into the 5-8 (n=270), 9-12 (n=389), and 13-17 (n=644) age groups. The mean iCEB and iCEBc values for all age groups were 4.39±0.53 and 5.16±0.53, respectively. Any difference was not detected among age groups of 5-8, 9-12, and 13-17 years in terms of iCEB and iCEBc values (4.42±0.56, 4.39±0.53 and 4.39±0.52 vs. 5.19±0.56, 5.15±0.55 and 5.16±0.52, respectively). However, a significant difference was found between male (n=699) and female (n=604) patients in terms of mean iCEB (4.23±0.52 vs. 4.59±0.47) and iCEBc (4.98±0.53 vs. 5.38±0.46) values (p <0.001). Conclusion: iCEB and iCEBc values in school-age children did not differ according to age groups. However, these values differed between boys and girls. This study is the first to reveal normal ranges of iCEB and iCEBc values in school-age children.