Comparison of EASI-derived 12-lead electrocardiograms versus paramedic-acquired 12-lead electrocardiograms using Mason-Likar limb lead configuration in patients with chest pain

Introduction: Monitoring of serial 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings is the accepted requirement for prehospital data acquisition in patients with chest pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether waveforms and clinical triage decisions are similar for EASI-derived ECGs and paramedic-acquired 12-lead ECGs using Mason-Likar limb lead configuration when compared with standard 12-lead ECGs (stdECG). Method: Twenty patients with chest pain had a prehospital 12-lead ECG recorded in the ambulance, and paramedic-applied electrodes retained in place at hospital arrival. An ECG technician applied standard precordial and EASI electrodes in their Correct positions. Twelve-lead ECGs were obtained from the paramedic-applied electrodes using their Mason-Likar limb lead configuration, and derived from the EASI leads for comparison with the stdECG. Three computer-measured QRS-T waveform parameters were considered, and differences in waveform measurement between EASI and stdECG (EASI Delta stdECG) versus differences in waveform measurements between paramedic Mason-Likar and stdECG (PML Delta stdECG) were calculated. Two emergency physicians determined whether the EASI-derived or the paramedic Mason-Likar ECG contained information that would change their clinical triage decision from that indicated by the stdECG. Results: EASI Delta stdECG and PML Delta stdECG were identical in 28%, whereas EASI Delta stdECG was more than PML Delta stdECG in 35%, and PML Delta stdECG was accurate (both times) than EASI Delta stdECG in 37% (P = .62). The physicians were more likely to change the level of patient care based on the EASI-derived ECGs compared with the paramedic ECGs; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = .27), but this may only be caused by the small study population. Conclusions: There are similar differences from stdECG waveforms in EASI-derived ECGs and those acquired via paramedic-applied precordial electrodes using Mason-Likar limb lead configuration. Either method can be used as a substitute for monitoring, but neither should be considered equivalent to the stdECG for diagnostic purposes. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.