Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia in infancy: long-term follow-up study of 49 subjects

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Longitudinal Studies

Background:

• Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia in infancy can have long-term implications.
• Understanding recurrence patterns and prognosis is crucial for affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term outcomes of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia diagnosed in infancy.
• To identify predictors of recurrence and long-term prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Follow-up study of 49 individuals diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia in infancy.
• Analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, including preexcitation.
• Long-term assessment of tachycardia recurrence and clinical outcomes over a mean of 24 years.

Main Results:

• Forty subjects had supraventricular tachycardia; nine had atrial flutter/fibrillation.
• Males with ECG preexcitation showed the highest recurrence rate (~60%).
• Approximately 30% of subjects without preexcitation experienced supraventricular tachycardia in their third decade; prognosis is good without congenital heart disease.

Conclusions:

• Infantile paroxysmal atrial tachycardia has a generally good long-term prognosis, particularly when congenital heart disease is absent.
• Male sex and ECG-documented preexcitation are associated with higher recurrence rates.
• Long-term surveillance may be warranted for individuals with specific ECG findings.