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[Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; important in childhood also]
Insights
This study reviewed 120 children with preexcitation patterns, finding that 50% resolved spontaneously within the first year. Digoxin showed a beneficial effect in 45 cases of childhood tachycardia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
Context:
- Preexcitation syndromes in pediatric populations are uncommon but can lead to significant morbidity.
- Understanding the natural history and management of these conditions in infants and young children is crucial.
Purpose:
- To review the clinical course and outcomes of pediatric patients with preexcitation patterns.
- To evaluate the efficacy of digoxin in managing tachyarrhythmias in children.
- To explore the potential mechanisms of circus movement tachycardia in this age group.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 120 children with preexcitation patterns revealed that 80 experienced tachycardias, with a significant proportion presenting under one year of age.
- The preexcitation pattern resolved spontaneously in 50% of cases within the first year of life.
- Circus movement tachycardia was confirmed in 12 patients, with a suspected higher prevalence in those with unexplained tachycardias.
- Digoxin demonstrated a beneficial effect in 45 children, suggesting its utility in managing childhood tachycardias, though its efficacy may differ from adolescent use.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the natural resolution of preexcitation syndromes in children.
- Highlights the potential role and effectiveness of digoxin in pediatric tachycardia management.
- Suggests further investigation into the mechanisms of tachycardia in young children.
Abstract:
In a cooperative, retrospective, study 120 children are reviewed with preexcitation pattern. 80 patients had tachycardias; 54 children were under 1 year, 49 under 3 months of age at their first attack. In 50% the preexcitation pattern disappeared in the first year of life, allthough intermittent preexcitation could be seen in some patients. In 12 patients a circusmovement tachycardia was proved on the surface ecg; in the group of 63 children with a tachycardia of unknown origin probably more may be caused by this mechanism. A beneficial effect of digoxin in childhood is noticed, with good response in 45 cases. A possible explanation for the difference in effect of digoxin during childhood and in adolescence is discussed.