Adenosine treatment of supraventricular tachycardia following epidural test dose: a case study

This is a case report of supraventricular tachycardia following initiation of epidural analgesia with use of an epinephrine test dose in a parturient during active labor. Vagal stimulatory efforts failed to interrupt the arrhythmia, but treatment with adenosine was successful. Fetal monitoring with a scalp electrode provided evidence of fetal well-being throughout the episode. Adenosine was chosen because of its safety for both the mother and the fetus and its lack of the hypotensive effect often seen with verapamil.