Key result
Pediatric cohort shows high rates of lethal arrhythmias, led by ~21% with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Why the study?
Cardiac rhythm disorders in children and adolescents have a high incidence and may, under certain conditions, lead to sudden death.
Observational (n=199)
No
A significant proportion of pediatric patients, both symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes, present with potentially dangerous cardiac rhythm disorders, highlighting the need for screening and monitoring to prevent sudden cardiac death.
High WPW and AV block rates in this pediatric cohort support targeted evaluation; leaves open whether broader screening alters sudden-death outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Cardiac rhythm disorders in children and adolescents have a high incidence. In certain conditions, sudden death may occur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study including 199 patients divided into two subgroups: one subgroup of 80 practicing different sports and another one of 119 non-sportive, symptomatic patients. We studied all socio-demographic data, medical histories, and the elements revealed by the clinical and paraclinical examinations. RESULTS: Only 39 (19.60%) participants did not practice any kind of sport; 46 participants had cases of sudden cardiac death in their families; 60.80% of children and adolescents were exposed to smoking; among the symptomatic group, symptoms like vertigo, chest pain, lipothymia, and palpitations predominated. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of participants with heart rhythm disorders at risk for sudden death was identified. It is extremely important to identify and restrict them from intense physical exertion and to reassess them periodically in order to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.
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Moraru et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Cardiac rhythm disorders (n=199). Sports participation vs. Non-sportive symptomatic patients was evaluated on Incidence of heart rhythm disorders. Among 199 pediatric patients, a significant proportion were identified with potentially lethal heart rhythm disorders, including a 20.6% incidence of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and 6.03% with complete atrioventricular block.
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