ABSTRACT
Hemodialysis [HD] may expose patients with chronic renal failure [CRF] to arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. The aim of the present was to evaluate the effect of HD on ECG parameters in children with CRF. Forty children with CRF on regular HD and without relevant heart disease were selected. A standard ECG was performed, both before and at 15 minutes after the end of HD session. The measurements of the amplitude of P, Q, T waves, R and S waves in leads V1 and V6, PR and RR interval, ST segment and QRS amplitude, duration and axis were performed. The QT and QTc interval and dispersion were measured. Laboratory investigations including hemoglobin level, blood urea, serum creatinine and serum electrolytes [sodium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium] were estimated before and after dialysis session. After dialysis, there was a significant increase in the amplitudes of P, Q and QRS waves and a significant decrease in T wave amplitude than pre-dialysis. There was also a significant increase in the amplitude of R and S waves in leads V1 and V6 and a significant decrease in the QRS duration. QT and QTc interval and dispersion increased after dialysis. There was a significant positive correlation between the T wave amplitude and both the body weight and systolic blood pressure as well as between the systolic blood pressure and QRS duration