Functional abnormalities of the conduction system in children with an atrial septal defect
M T Bink-Boelkens1, A Bergstra, M L Landsman
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Children with atrial septal defects often have sinus node and atrial dysfunction. Early surgical repair may prevent arrhythmias and further electrophysiologic abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are common congenital heart conditions.
- Cardiac electrophysiologic abnormalities can occur in children with ASDs.
- The impact of ASDs on cardiac conduction and rhythm requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate electrophysiologic function in children with ASDs.
- To assess pre- and postoperative cardiac rhythm and conduction.
- To determine the relationship between ASDs and electrophysiologic abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiologic studies were conducted in 40 children with ASDs.
- Pre- and postoperative electrocardiograms (ECGs) and 24-hour Holter recordings were analyzed.
- Sinus node recovery time, sinuatrial conduction, atrial conduction, and refractory periods were assessed.
Main Results:
- 83% of children showed prolonged corrected sinus node recovery time.
- Abnormal sinuatrial conduction (25%), early Wenckebach (18%), and prolonged atrial conduction (16%) were observed.
- Postoperative ECGs and Holter recordings indicated a decrease in first-degree atrioventricular block and accelerated atrial rhythm.
Conclusions:
- Children with ASDs exhibit sinus node, atrioventricular node, and atrial myocardial dysfunction.
- Early surgical intervention for ASDs may prevent the progression of electrophysiologic abnormalities.
- Prompt treatment could reduce the incidence of symptomatic arrhythmias in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
We performed an electrophysiologic study in 40 children with an atrial septal defect and analyzed their pre- and postoperative electrocardiograms and 24-hour Holter recordings. The electrophysiologic study showed a prolonged corrected sinus node recovery time in 83% and an abnormal sinuatrial conduction time in 25% of the children. An early Wenckebach response to atrial pacing was seen in 18%. Sixteen percent had a prolonged atrial conduction time. The atrial functional refractory period was abnormal in 35%. Two children developed nonsustained supraventricular tachycardia during the electrophysiologic study. The preoperative electrocardiogram showed first-degree atrioventricular block in 15% of the children; prolonged periods of accelerated atrial rhythm were found in 35% of the preoperative 24-hour Holter recordings. The incidence of first-degree atrioventricular block and accelerated atrial rhythm decreased postoperatively. We could not find a significant correlation between age or shunt size and the presence of electrophysiologic abnormalities or arrhythmias. These results indicate that the sinus node, atrioventricular node and atrial myocardium show some degree of dysfunction in patients with an atrial septal defect. An early operation may prevent further progression of electrophysiologic abnormalities and the development of symptomatic arrhythmias.
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