Medications used to manage supraventricular tachycardia in the infant a North American survey

Pediatr Cardiol. 2006 Mar-Apr;27(2):199-203. doi: 10.1007/s00246-005-1126-x.

Abstract

Supraventricular tachycardia is the most common pediatric arrhythmia, but there is no consensus and little evidence to guide its treatment. We sent a questionnaire to pediatric cardiologists in North America to assess the current practice pattern. Of 1534 surveys mailed, 352 (23%) were returned and 295 (19%) had complete data for analysis. In the acute setting, 11 different medications were chosen. The most commonly used in the infant without preexcitation were digoxin (42%), procainamide (21%), esmolol (13%), propranolol (10%), and amiodarone (8%). In the infant with preexcitation, propranolol (34%), procainamide (23%), esmolol (17%), amiodarone (11%), and digoxin (6%) were used. In the chronic setting, 8 different medications were chosen. The most commonly used in this scenario were digoxin (52%), propranolol (33%), amiodarone (4%), and sotalol (3%). In the infant with preexcitation, propranolol (70%), amiodarone (6%), digoxin (6%), atenolol (6%), and flecainide (5%) were used. Medication choices were influenced by additional electrophysiology training and preexcitation. Digoxin was used less in the setting of preexcitation. There are no comparative trials to explain the different medication choices. Although a number of medications may be efficacious, a randomized clinical trial is needed to offer further guidance.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Canada
  • Cardiology / education
  • Chronic Disease
  • Digoxin / adverse effects
  • Digoxin / therapeutic use
  • Electrophysiology / education
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pediatrics / education
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / drug therapy*
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Digoxin