8:40 AM - 10:40 AM
[AJS-01] Screening Models from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for Conditions Associated with Sudden Cardiac Death
Background: Screening for conditions associated with sudden cardiac arrest in the United States (US) is aimed at high school athletes in most states and utilizes a preparticipation history and physical form. Data from other countries that use electrocardiographic (ECG) screening have demonstrated identification of children and adolescents with undiagnosed conditions that predispose to sudden cardiac death or arrest with increased sensitivity compared to history and physical examination (H&P) alone. Mass screening of school children for cardiovascular disease using an ECG has been mandatory in Japan in the 1st, 7th, and 10th grades since 1973, indicating a greater sensitivity of ECG screening compared to the H&P. Italian data have shown that the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest has decreased significantly after implementation of an electrocardiographic-based screening program including history and physical exam.
Methods: We reviewed evidence on sudden cardiac arrest or death in the young and screening for SCA in the literature and assessed concerns and barriers. We conducted field evaluations of several ECG screening models: a pediatric cardiology clinic/medical office, community/school-based settings, and pediatricians’ offices.
Results: We describe a number of screening models used in the US, the resources needed for their implementation, and the outcomes from those screenings.
Conclusions: We recommend a feasible and currently applicable best practice model using ECG screening to be considered for use in the US while additional data are being collected in an attempt to implement a preventive public health initiative that can be tested and modified going forward.
Methods: We reviewed evidence on sudden cardiac arrest or death in the young and screening for SCA in the literature and assessed concerns and barriers. We conducted field evaluations of several ECG screening models: a pediatric cardiology clinic/medical office, community/school-based settings, and pediatricians’ offices.
Results: We describe a number of screening models used in the US, the resources needed for their implementation, and the outcomes from those screenings.
Conclusions: We recommend a feasible and currently applicable best practice model using ECG screening to be considered for use in the US while additional data are being collected in an attempt to implement a preventive public health initiative that can be tested and modified going forward.