Arrhythmias & electrophysiology

Paediatric long QT syndrome: clinical outcomes and therapy in the Spanish National Registry

Eur Heart JPublished Retrospective cohort study

Authors' conclusion

In this nationwide paediatric LQTS cohort, MAEs were uncommon and clustered in children with malignant genotypes, markedly prolonged QTc and very early presentation, particularly foetal or neonatal bradycardia.

Study context

Population
Children (<18 years) with long QT syndrome (LQTS) (2022 ESC criteria), Spain, 2004–2458% male
Participants
371 children
Outcome
MAEs (SCD, aborted cardiac arrest or appropriate ICD therapy)
Follow-up
median 6-year follow-up
Methodological detailsmulticentre, nationwide registry, 30 tertiary centres
  • Multicentre
  • Nationwide registry
  • 30 tertiary centres

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

MAEs

Children with major arrhythmic events (MAEs)

14

3.8%

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Genetics and therapy

Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (mainly KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A)
86.5%
High-risk genotypes (Jervell-Lange-Nielsen, calmodulinopathies, CACNA1C/Timothy)
5.7%
Beta-blockers prescribed
92.4%

Foetal/neonatal bradycardia

Foetal/neonatal bradycardia, correlated with high-risk genotypes and adverse outcomes
5.1%

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

ICD implanted
33 (8.9%)
Appropriate ICD therapies
10 (30%)

Left cardiac sympathetic denervation

Performed, mainly high-risk patients
33 (8.9%)
Arrhythmia-free survival, without major complications
>80%

Safety

ICD recipients with complications
8 (24%)

Original publication

Paediatric long QT syndrome: clinical outcomes and therapy in the Spanish National Registry. Eur Heart J. Published 17 July 2026. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehag513

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