Electrocardiogram screening of infants for long QT syndrome: survey of pediatric cardiologists in North America

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate current opinions toward screening infants for long QT syndrome (LQTS) by electrocardiogram (ECG) among pediatric cardiologists in North America Background: Research from Italy shows that ECG screening of infants for LQTS is cost-effective Methods: E-mail invitations were sent to 1045 pediatric cardiologists in North America listed in the American Academy of Pediatrics directory The survey was Internet-based with multiple choice questions Two repeat e-mail reminders were sent after the mitial invitation Results: Three sixty-three (35%) responses were returned Among the respondents, 40% had more than 20 years of clinical experience, 32% had 10 to 20 years, 21% had 5-10 years, and 6% had less than 5 years Thirty-one percent of respondents agreed and 41% disagreed that screening LQTS may decrease the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome When asked if an ECG between 2 and 4 weeks of life can be used to screen newborns for LQTS, 47% agreed and 33% disagreed To the question "pediatricians should offer families the option of 12-lead ECG at baby's 2-week visit for detecting an uncommon but potentially lethal disease," 27% agreed and 49% disagreed When asked if there should be a mandate for ECG screening of all newborns, 11% agreed and 69% disagreed The support for a mandate of ECG screening decreases with increasing number of years of experience (P = 03) Conclusions: Most pediatric cardiologists in North America remain skeptical about ECG screening of infants for LQTS Among pediatric cardiologists, current support for ECG screening at pediatrician's offices is low, and only 10% would agree to a mandate for ECG screening (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved