Pediatric Tachyarrhythmias: Diagnosis and Management

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to review the presentation, mechanism and acute management of pediatric tachyarrhythmias and to discuss current updates in the literature.Recent FindingsIn 2015, the AHA updated the PALS guidelines to include lidocaine as a first line agent alongside amiodarone in the management of ventricular tachycardia. A recent study re-addressed the safety of the use of adenosine on heart transplant patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Also, there have been recent studies which explored alternative prevention modalities for postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia such as the use of dexmedetomidine and higher magnesium levels.SummaryThis review discusses the mechanism, presentation, and management of pediatric tachyarrhythmias. It focuses on SVT, as it is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in children requiring intervention, but also discusses other life-threatening arrhythmias including ventricular arrhythmias and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It reviews the current updates in acute management and discusses future directions of prophylactic management.
Source: Current Pediatrics Reports - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research