Biventricular pacing as bridge to rapid recovery in infancy

Andreea Dragulescu1, Karolina Bilska, Catharina Van Doorn

  • 1Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom.

Insights

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) offers a novel treatment for infants with severe heart failure. This infant case study demonstrates successful functional recovery with CRT, highlighting its potential in pediatric cardiology.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Heart Failure Management

Background:

  • Severe left ventricular failure in infants presents significant management challenges.
  • Limited treatment options exist for pediatric heart failure due to organ availability and device size constraints.
  • Etiology of heart failure in infants often remains undetermined.

Observation:

  • An 8-month-old infant presented with severe left ventricular failure.
  • Echocardiographic assessment revealed significant dyssynchrony and left bundle branch block.
  • Standard interventions like mechanical assist devices or transplantation were not feasible.

Findings:

  • Initiation of dual-chamber epicardial pacing (cardiac resynchronization therapy) led to rapid clinical improvement.
  • Echocardiographic parameters showed marked enhancement, correlating with clinical recovery.
  • Complete normalization of cardiac function was observed, allowing for device deactivation after 6 months.

Implications:

  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a viable and effective treatment for severe pediatric heart failure, irrespective of etiology or age.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering advanced pacing strategies in infants with specific electrophysiological findings.
  • Further research into CRT for pediatric heart failure may expand therapeutic horizons and improve outcomes in young patients.

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management01:25

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...