[Ventricular fibrilation in children: electrical treatment (author's transl)]

Experience on the treatment of 85 ventricular fibrillation in 20 children by transthoracic electric shock with continuous electrical current is studied. Initially an energy level of 2 W./sec./Kg., was used and obtained 95% of effectivity. 50% of patients were dead because they did not recover effective cardiac rhythm, in spite of the effectivity of desfibrillation. Authors evaluate the importance of correction of metabolic disturbances and hipoxemia as predisposing factors of ventricular fibrillation and success of treatment. They think that energy level of 2 W./sec./Kg., is efficient. Effectivity of therapy depends, mainly, on rapidity and training of the pediatric intensive care team.