June 1, 1997Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology
Immediate and Short‐Term Reproducibility of the P Wave Signal‐Averaged Electrocardiogram
Why the study?
Is the P wave signal-averaged electrocardiogram reproducible in the immediate and short-term in subjects with and without cardiac disease or prior AF?
Population
28 subjects (8 controls, 11 with cardiac disease, 9 with prior AF)
Design
Cross-sectional
Follow-up
4-5 days
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
P wave duration on SAECG is reproducible for serial use; leaves open whether terminal RMS voltage variability limits AF risk stratification.
Key Points
- The study aims to assess the immediate and short-term reproducibility of P wave measurements from signal-averaged electrocardiograms (SAECG).
- P wave SAECGs were obtained from 28 subjects, including controls and those with cardiac disease or prior AF.
- Three SAECGs were acquired: initial, immediate reacquisition, and short-term reacquisition after 4-5 days.
- Measurements included vector duration and RMS voltage of the P wave.
- Mean P wave duration was consistent across all acquisitions (152 +/- 14 ms, P = NS).
- Mean terminal RMS voltage showed slight variability (6.4 +/- 6.0 mcV), with no significant differences (P = NS).
- High reproducibility for P wave duration was observed across all subgroups, while terminal RMS voltage was less reproducible, especially in those with cardiac disease or prior AF.
Structured PICO
Is the P wave signal-averaged electrocardiogram reproducible in the immediate and short-term in subjects with and without cardiac disease or prior AF?
P
Population
28 subjects (8 controls, 11 with cardiac disease, 9 with prior AF)
I
Intervention
P wave signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) obtained at initial, immediate reacquisition, and 4-5 days reacquisition
O
Outcome
Reproducibility of vector duration and RMS voltage of the terminal 20 ms of the P wave SAECGsurrogate
P wave duration measurements on SAECG are highly reproducible in the immediate and short-term, whereas terminal RMS voltages are less reproducible, which may explain conflicting observations regarding their clinical utility.
Cite This Study
Ehlert et al. (1997) studied this question.