Experience using propranolol for the management of supraventricular tachycardia in patients younger than 1 year

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.
Abstract

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