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Arrhythmias associated with respiratory syncytial virus infection

Stephen D Playfor1, Abdul Khader

  • 1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, Manchester, UK. stephen.playfor@cmmc.nhs.uk

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|October 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in an infant caused dangerous heart arrhythmias due to low magnesium. Prompt magnesium sulfate treatment resolved the arrhythmias, revealing an underlying atrial septal defect.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness in infants.
  • Cardiac arrhythmias can be serious complications in pediatric patients.
  • Electrolyte imbalances, such as hypomagnesemia, can precipitate cardiac events.

Observation:

  • A 7-week-old infant presented with RSV infection.
  • The infant abruptly developed complex cardiac arrhythmias.
  • A concurrent finding was a low serum magnesium level.

Findings:

  • Intravenous magnesium sulfate administration successfully treated the infant's cardiac arrhythmias.
  • The infant was later diagnosed with a significant atrial septal defect (ASD).
  • This case highlights the potential link between RSV, hypomagnesemia, and cardiac arrhythmias in infants.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and management of hypomagnesemia are crucial in infants with severe infections.
  • Magnesium supplementation should be considered in pediatric patients with unexplained arrhythmias.
  • Screening for congenital heart defects may be warranted in infants presenting with severe arrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances.

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