Normal limits for pediatric electrocardiogram in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Proper interpretation of electrocardiogram (ECG) in children relies on comparisons with standards derived from normal population. Comprehensive data on ECG in Nigerian children are lacking.Objective: To determine the ECG reference values for Nigerian Children.Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1500 apparently healthy Nigerian children between 0-12 years at Ilorin. The ECG was recorded at a sampling rate of 1000Hz with V 3 R replacing V 3 and the ECG parameters were measured by hand.Results: The means and standard deviations of the lead independent ECG indices are as follows: Heart rate, 117 ± 23; QRS duration 0.05 ± 0.01 PR Interval 0.13 ± 0.02, QRS axis 63.80 ± 37.6, P wave axis 46.6 ± 18.4, T wave axis 44.5 ± 18.5, P wave duration 0.07 ± 0.01, P wave amplitude 1.4 ± 0.48. These values are similar to those of the Caucasian children. The mean amplitude values of Q, R, S and T waves are also similar to the Caucasian Children. The 98 th percentile values in some of these leads are substantially higher than that of the Caucasian children. This calls for caution when interpreting ECG in Nigerian children.Conclusion: ECG normal limits have been established in Nigerian children at Ilorin. Similar studies should be conducted in other geo-political zones in Nigeria so that ECG reference values for Nigerian children could be established.