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Sick sinus syndrome. Symptomatic cases in children
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1975
Summary
Symptomatic sick sinus syndrome in children often follows cardiac surgery, presenting with various heart rhythm issues. Early recognition and tailored treatment, including pacemakers, are crucial for managing this condition in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a complex cardiac arrhythmia affecting children.
- Symptoms in pediatric SSS are often nonspecific, leading to diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, etiology, and management of symptomatic sick sinus syndrome in a pediatric cohort.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing SSS in children and guiding treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 20 children diagnosed with symptomatic sick sinus syndrome.
- Review of patient demographics, presenting symptoms, underlying cardiac conditions, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The average age of presentation was 7.1 years, with symptoms including syncope, rapid heart action, and dyspnea.
- Cardiac surgery, particularly atrial suturing, was the predominant cause (15 cases).
- Various tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias were observed; drug therapy posed challenges, while cardioversion and permanent pacemakers showed good results.
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic sick sinus syndrome in children requires prompt recognition and individualized treatment based on symptom severity.
- Cardiac surgery is a significant risk factor for developing SSS in pediatric patients.
- Permanent pacemaker insertion can be an effective treatment for refractory cases.