Management of tachyarrhythmias in children

Amy N. McCammond, Seshadri Balaji

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Management of tachycardia in children depends on the accurate characterization of the origin and mechanism of the rhythm, which can usually be achieved using noninvasive tests such as an electrocardiogram, Holter or cardiac event monitoring. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), the most common tachyarrhythmia in children, is most often due to an accessory pathway or dual AV nodal pathways. Adenosine and vagal maneuvers are useful to diagnose and terminate an acute event. Long-term management options include prophylactic drug therapy (aimed at suppressing the tachyarrhythmia) and catheter ablation. Ablation for SVT is highly successful with a low complication rate, and is first-line therapy in older patients. Ventricular arrhythmias are fortunately uncommon in children with normal hearts, and are seen primarily in the setting of abnormal myocardium and inherited ion channel defects. Management options for ventricular rhythms include drugs, catheter ablation and implantable cardioverterdefibrillators (ICDs). ICDs are indicated in patients with a risk of sudden death due to an arrhythmia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)490-502
Number of pages13
JournalCurrent Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012

Keywords

  • Pediatric arrhythmia
  • Supraventricular tachycardia
  • Tachyarrhythmia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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