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Published on: May 29, 2015
Evaluation and management of atrioventricular block in children
Fareed Saleh1, Elizabeth A Greene, David Mathison
1Division of Emergency Medicine and Cardiology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Insights
Pediatric atrioventricular heart block requires prompt diagnosis and management. Identifying reversible causes and considering pacemakers are key for improving outcomes in children with these uncommon heart rhythm issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
Background:
- Pediatric brady-dysrhythmias and conduction disorders are uncommon but critical to recognize.
- Atrioventricular (AV) block encompasses first, second, and third-degree types in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric atrioventricular heart block.
- To highlight approaches for first, second, and third-degree AV block in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic advances.
- Synthesis of current guidelines for pediatric AV block management.
Main Results:
- Acquired and often reversible causes of AV block are common in childhood.
- Advances in diagnostics and pacing therapies have improved patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Thorough evaluation is essential to determine the need for treatment in pediatric AV block.
- Management of symptomatic or unstable patients involves resuscitation, diagnostics, identifying reversible causes, monitoring, and considering pacemakers.
Purpose Of Review:
Pediatric brady-dysrhythmias and conduction disorders are uncommon, but timely recognition and evaluation are critical. This review will highlight the key diagnostic and management steps for first, second, and third-degree atrioventricular heart block in pediatric patients.
Recent Findings:
There is a breadth of acquired and often reversible causes of atrioventricular block in childhood. Recent advances in diagnostics and pacing therapies have led to improved outcomes.
Summary:
A thorough evaluation is required to determine when atrioventricular block requires treatment. In symptomatic or unstable patients, the management should focus on resuscitative measures, diagnostic testing, potential reversible causes, monitoring for progression, cardiac consultation and evaluating the need for definitive pacemaker placement.
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