Electrocardiogram of the Premature Infant at 1 Year of Age

ECGs were examined from 461 premature infants at 1 year of age. Data from those without a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were generally similar to published norms for healthy 1-year old infants. History and persistence of residual lung disease were reflected in the ECG by a high prevalence of findings suggestive of right ventricular hypertrophy. Clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus during the neonatal period did not influence the 1-year ECG findings. The data expand the published experience with follow-up ECGs from premature infants and suggest that the ECG may be a useful tool in follow-up of chronic residual lung disease in this population.