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Effect of verapamil in infants with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Insights
Verapamil effectively treats paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in infants. This study found verapamil rapidly restored normal heart rhythm in 96.5% of cases with no significant side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a common arrhythmia in infants.
- Treatment options for infant PSVT require rapid and safe interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous verapamil for treating spontaneous PSVT in infants.
- To determine if verapamil is a suitable first-line treatment for PSVT in this population.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine PSVT episodes in 14 infants without heart disease were treated with intravenous verapamil (1-2 mg over 30 seconds).
- Dosage was adjusted based on infant weight.
Main Results:
- Sinus rhythm was achieved in 28 out of 29 instances (96.5%) within 60 seconds.
- No significant adverse events were observed during or after verapamil administration.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous verapamil is highly effective and rapidly acting for PSVT in infants.
- Verapamil demonstrates a favorable safety profile, making it a preferred treatment for PSVT in infants without underlying cardiac conditions.
Abstract:
Twenty-nine consecutive spontaneous attacks of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in 14 infants (mean age 4.4 months) were treated with verapamil. No infant had associated heart disease. Verapamil 1-2 mg i.v was administered over 30 seconds. The dosage varied according to the weight of the infant. Within 60 seconds sinus rhythm was obtained in 28 instances (96.5%). No significant complications were observed. The high effectiveness, rapid action and lack of undesirable side effects observed in this series suggest that verapamil is the drug of choice in the treatment of PSVT in infants without underlying heart disease.