Abstract
The VCG (Frank system) as an indicator of severity of pulmonary involvement was assessed in 75 patients (pts) with CF. The Shwachman-Kulczycki clinical score(CS), PaO2, right maximum spatial vector(RMSV) and standard pulmonary function tests were performed. The VCG horizontal loops(HL) were classified on the basis of configuration into four groups: normal, mild (increased anterior forces ± small rightward terminal forces), moderate (increased anterior forces with prominent rightward terminal forces or narrow antero-posterior loop) and severe (diminished anterior forces with marked rightward posterior loop displacement). The CS was similar in the normal and mild groups but progressively decreased in the moderate (p<.01) and severe (p<.05) groups. Mean PaO2 for the normal group was 68 mmHg (range 54-76), mild 66 mmHg(57-83), moderate 56 mmHg (48-80)(p<.05) and severe 44 mmHg(30-60)(p<.01). Vital capacity and forced expiratory volumes were significantly lower (p<.01) in the moderate and severe categories when compared to the normal and mild groups. The mean RMSV in the normal group was 0.8 mv(range 0.4-1.1), mild 1.1 mv(0.7-2.2) (p<.02),moderate 1.2 mv(0.7-2.9) (p<101) and in the severe 1.8 mv(0.8-2.7) (p<.01). During the 8 months the study was in progress, 7 pts died all of whom were in the moderate or severe categories, we conclude that there is a significant relationship between right heart involvement assessed by the HL of the VCG and the severity of CF determined by CS, PaO2 and some pulmonary tests.
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Keane, J., Rosenthal, A., Johnson, D. et al. THE VECTORCARDIOGRAM (VCG) IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF). Pediatr Res 8, 351 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00065
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00065