Reference:
Chiu, S.-N., Chen, Y.-S., Hsu, C.-C., Hua, Y.-C., Tseng, W.-C., Lu, C.-W., Lin, M.-T., Chen, C.-A., Wu, M.-H., Chen, Y.-T., Hung Chien, T.-C., Tseng, C.-L., & Wang, J.-K. (2023).
Changes of ECG parameters after BNT162b2 vaccine in senior high school students. European Journal of Pediatrics, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-022-04786-0
Summary:
This study assessed changes in ECG parameters among senior high school students following the second dose of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine. Conducted in Taipei City, it included 4928 students from four male-predominant schools. Results indicated that 17.1% of participants reported cardiac symptoms, predominantly chest pain and palpitations. Significant alterations in ECG parameters were noted, including decreased QRS duration and QT interval, alongside increased heart rates post-vaccination. Notably, only 1% of students exhibited abnormal ECGs, with one case of mild myocarditis and four instances of significant arrhythmia. The study demonstrated high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (99.1%) for detecting significant cardiac adverse effects using serial ECG screenings. Although cardiac symptoms were prevalent, the incidence of severe complications was low, suggesting the BNT162b2 vaccine is generally safe in this demographic.