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Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction
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Adenosine in the termination of albuterol-induced supraventricular tachycardia

P Cook1, R J Scarfone, R T Cook

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Memorial Hospital, York.

Annals of Emergency Medicine
|August 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Albuterol, a common asthma medication, can rarely cause supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in children. Adenosine effectively treated this adverse reaction in a pediatric case, offering a new therapeutic option.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Asthma affects 5% of US children, with status asthmaticus frequently requiring emergency care.
  • Beta2-agonists, like albuterol, are standard emergency treatments for pediatric asthma exacerbations.
  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a potential adverse effect of beta2-agonist therapy.

Observation:

  • A case report details a 4-year-old boy who developed SVT after receiving albuterol.
  • This event occurred in a pediatric emergency department setting.
  • The patient's SVT was successfully managed with adenosine.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported instance of adenosine successfully treating albuterol-induced SVT in a child.
  • Adenosine demonstrated efficacy in resolving the tachycardia.
  • The case highlights a rare but significant adverse effect of a common asthma medication.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of the potential for albuterol-induced SVT in pediatric patients.
  • Adenosine may be a valuable treatment option for this specific iatrogenic condition.
  • Further investigation into the recognition and management of SVT in children is warranted.

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