Experience using propranolol for the management of supraventricular tachycardia in patients younger than 1 year
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Published on: September 24, 2021
Eliana S Nicastro1, María G Majdalani2,3, Mauricio S Abello3
1Clínica y Maternidad Suizo Argentina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. nicastro.eliana@gmail.com.
Insights
Propranolol effectively treated supraventricular tachycardia in infants, preventing recurrence in 70% of cases. While generally safe, severe adverse events led to discontinuation in two infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common arrhythmia in infants.
- Effective and safe treatment options for infant SVT are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of propranolol for treating SVT in infants under one year old.
- To identify adverse events associated with propranolol therapy in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 107 infants younger than 1 year with documented SVT treated with oral propranolol.
- Data collected included patient demographics, congenital heart disease, baseline ECG findings, treatment recurrence, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Propranolol prevented SVT recurrence in 70% of the 107 infants studied.
- On-treatment recurrence was observed in 30.8% of patients.
- Two patients (1.87%) discontinued propranolol due to severe adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Propranolol is an effective treatment for preventing SVT recurrence in infants.
- Propranolol demonstrates a favorable safety profile in infants, with severe adverse events being rare.
Objective:
To assess the results and adverse events of propranolol therapy in infants younger than 1 year with supraventricular tachycardia.
Population And Methods:
Infants younger than 1 year with documented supraventricular tachycardia who received oral treatment and prophylaxis with propranolol. Sex and age, associated congenital heart disease, ventricular preexcitation in the base line electrocardiogram, on-treatment recurrence, and adverse events were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 107 patients were identified. The first supraventricular tachycardia event occurred at a median age of 190 days. Associated congenital heart disease was observed in 10 patients. Ventricular preexcitation in the baseline electrocardiogram was detected in 23.3 %. Propranolol dose ranged from 2 to 5 mg/kg/day. On-treatment recurrence was observed in 30.8 %. Medication was discontinued in 2 patients due to severe adverse events.
Conclusion:
Propranolol prevented recurrence in 70 % of cases. It was discontinued in 2 patients due to severe adverse events.
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