Electrocardiographic characteristics of newborns with ventricular septal defects: a Copenhagen Baby Heart Study

Ventricular septal defects (VSD) represent the most common congenital heart defect in newborns. We assessed the electrocardiographic characteristics of newborns with VSDs in a general population sample. The Copenhagen Baby Heart Study is a prospective population-based cohort study offering cardiac evaluation of newborns. Echocardiograms and electrocardiograms were obtained within 30 days after birth and systematically analysed. A VSD was identified in 530 newborns (mean age 11 ± 7 days, 42% boys). Newborns with VSDs had a more left-shifted QRS axis (116 ± 34 vs. 120 ± 3°, p = 0.02), and a higher S-wave amplitude in V1 (721 ± 584 vs. 636 ± 549 µV, p = 0.001) than controls. The largest differences were found in newborns with large or perimembraneous VSDs with a higher frequency of left axis deviation, higher S-wave amplitudes in V1, and higher R- and S-wave amplitudes in V6 compared with controls. R-waves in V1 and V6 were significantly associated to left ventricular mass, whereas S-waves in V1 and V6 were dependent on left ventricular end-diastolic diameter on echocardiography. Conclusion: Newborns with VSDs showed significant differences in QRS axis, and R- and S-wave precordial amplitudes compared to matched controls. Perimembranous and large VSDs had the greatest effect on the neonatal ECG. What is Known: • Ventricular septal defects in newborns are prevalent and may affect cardiac function and structure. What is New: • The Copenhagen Baby Heart Study is the largest study including a cohort of unselected newborns undergoing postnatal cardiac examination. • We found that newborns with VSD showed significant electrocardiographic differences depending on size and type of VSD compared with healthy newborns.