Analysis of the changes in ECG during status asthmaticus.

An analysis was made of the changes in ECG in 61 random patients during status asthmaticus. It was found that a statistically significant increase occurred in the amplitude of the P wave in the inferior leads. P. pulmonale was noticed in lead II in 26%, in lead III in 18%, and in lead aVF in 25% during status asthmaticus, whereas corresponding values in the controls were 5%, 5% and 3%. A tendency to rS was also seen in the precordial leads, as were a small clockwise rotation, a small rotation of the frontal QRS axis to the right, and slight changes in the ST segment and T wave.