Ventricular Extrasystole in Children: Single-Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Rhythm Disorders

Background:

• Ventricular extrasystole is a frequent arrhythmia in children.
• Most pediatric cases occur in structurally normal hearts.
• Understanding the clinical course is crucial for management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical course of ventricular extrasystole in children without cardiac structural abnormalities.
• To assess the long-term outcomes and natural history of this condition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 24-hour Holter recordings.
• Inclusion criteria: isolated ventricular extrasystole and absence of structural heart disease on echocardiography.
• Follow-up duration averaged 8.7 years.

Main Results:

• 226 children met the criteria; 81.8% were asymptomatic.
• Palpitations were the most common symptom; syncope occurred in 5 patients.
• 42% showed partial reduction, 22% complete recovery; no cardiomyopathy developed.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric ventricular extrasystole generally has a favorable prognosis.
• High rates of spontaneous regression are observed.
• The condition is typically benign in children with normal cardiac structure.