# Electrocardiographic Characteristics of Healthy Newborns During the First Postnatal Hour

## TL;DR

This study examines electrocardiogram data from healthy newborns in the first hour after birth to understand normal heart rhythms and patterns.

## Contribution

The study provides new empirical data on electrocardiographic characteristics in healthy neonates during the first postnatal hour.

## Key findings

- Low atrial rhythm was detected in 0.3% of newborns.
- Right and left axis deviations were observed in 1.5% and 1.2% of patients, respectively.
- Abnormal P-axis and QRS-T angle were each found in 0.3% of cases.

## Abstract

Background: Few studies have reported electrocardiogram data collected during the neonatal period. The aim of this study was to evaluate electrocardiographic parameters in healthy neonates during the first postnatal hour. Methods: Electrocardiogram samples taken during the first hour of life from newborns born at our hospital were analyzed in this prospective observational study. Demographic data and possible electrocardiogram changes were studied. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 260 patients were included during the study period. Among these, 50% were male (n = 130), the mean gestational age was 38.1 ± 1.4 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 3.2 ± 1.4 kg. In the electrocardiograms obtained, low atrial rhythm was detected in 0.3% of the patients (n = 1). Right axis deviation was observed in 1.5% of the patients (n = 4), and left axis deviation was observed in 1.2% of the patients (n = 3). An abnormal P-axis was found in one patient (0.3%), and an abnormal QRS-T angle was found in one patient (0.3%). No statistically significant differences were observed in the other parameters. Conclusion: Physiologic electrocardiographic findings can be observed during the first postnatal hour. Further studies are needed to clarify the interpretation of the electrocardiogram findings.