Effectiveness of sotalol for atrial flutter in children after surgery for congenital heart disease

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 6, 2026

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology
10:46

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology

Published on: May 26, 2015

G C Beaufort-Krol1, M T Bink-Boelkens

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Oral sotalol effectively treats atrial flutter in pediatric patients post-congenital heart surgery. The medication successfully restored normal heart rhythm in most children, with rapid results observed in many.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Post-operative atrial flutter is a common complication in children following congenital heart surgery.
  • Managing arrhythmias in this population requires effective and safe therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of oral sotalol for treating and preventing atrial flutter in pediatric patients after congenital heart surgery.
  • To assess the rate and speed of conversion to sinus rhythm using sotalol.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of pediatric patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart disease and developed atrial flutter were treated with oral sotalol.
  • Efficacy was measured by the successful conversion to sinus rhythm and the time taken for this conversion.

Main Results:

  • Oral sotalol achieved conversion to sinus rhythm in 11 out of 13 children (85%).
  • Of those converted, 8 children (approximately 73%) achieved sinus rhythm within 24 hours of treatment initiation.

Conclusions:

  • Oral sotalol is a highly effective treatment for atrial flutter in children after congenital heart surgery.
  • The drug demonstrates a rapid onset of action, with a significant proportion of patients reverting to sinus rhythm within a day.

More Related Videos

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter08:00

Reduction of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects with an Anterior and Inferior Transseptal Puncture Site when Operating the Cryoballoon Ablation Catheter

Published on: June 15, 2015

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China08:42

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...