Determination of normalized values of the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in 405 Spanish children and adolescents

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an echocardiographic measure that allows us to assess right ventricular systolic function. TAPSE measurement is common in adults but reference values for children are scarce. Our objective was to establish reference values for TAPSE in Spanish children and to determine the relationship of these values with age and body surface.

Methods: This prospective study included 405 patients (from newborn to age 18 years, 53% male) referred for assessment of cardiac murmurs. Patients with confirmed cardiac or any other disease were excluded. We collected TAPSE measurements by M-mode echocardiography and recorded anthropometric variables. We analyzed the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of these measurements.

Results: Mean TAPSE values were 17.09 ± 5.09 cm with nonsignificant differences between sexes. A curvilinear regression model proved appropriate, with values increasing in proportion to age group, height, weight, body mass index, and body surface. Body surface showed a strong positive correlation with TAPSE values (r = 0.81), whereas frequency had a negative correlation (r = -0.74). Multivariate analysis confirmed these correlations and the interactions between variables (age, height, weight, body surface). Graphs of estimated normal population-based TAPSE values adjusted by age and body surface are provided.

Conclusions: We present reference values for TAPSE in Spanish children and adolescents. The TAPSE measurement was reproducible and associated directly with age and body surface. These reference values could guide decision making in daily clinical practice.