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Changes in cardiac rhythm in children treated with dopamine
Critical Care Medicine
|May 1, 1978
Summary
Dopamine infusions in children may cause cardiac dysrhythmias, particularly at doses between 10-20 microgram/kg/min. Caution is advised when using dopamine in pediatric patients within this dosage range.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Dopamine is a commonly used inotropic agent in pediatric critical care.
- Understanding its effects on cardiac rhythm in children is crucial for safe administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dopamine infusion and cardiac rhythm changes in pediatric patients.
- To identify specific dosage ranges associated with dysrhythmias.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 31 children receiving dopamine.
- Documentation of cardiac rhythm before and during dopamine infusion.
- Analysis of dopamine dosage and infusion rates.
Main Results:
- Six out of 31 children developed dysrhythmias while on dopamine.
- All six patients with new dysrhythmias received doses exceeding 10 microgram/kg/min.
- Five of these patients had infusion rates between 10-20 microgram/kg/min.
- Some patients with pre-existing non-ventricular dysrhythmias converted to sinus rhythm on dopamine.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine use in children, especially at doses of 10-20 microgram/kg/min, requires cautious monitoring for cardiac dysrhythmias.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and risk factors.