Adenosine in the management of supraventricular tachycardia in children.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of adenosine in the management of supraventricular tachycardia in children.


METHODS
A review of 43 children with supraventricular tachycardia who received intravenous adenosine between June 1992 and July 1995.


RESULTS
Thirty-five patients had re-entrant supraventricular tachycardia and eight patients had atrial tachydysrhythmias. Reversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 75% of episodes in all patients treated for supraventricular tachycardia, and in 96% of episodes in patients with re-entrant supraventricular tachycardia. Early re-initiation of supraventricular tachycardia after reversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 25% of episodes. Sixteen percent of patients reverted with the recommended 0.05 mg/kg starting dose, and 35% reverted with a dose of 0.1 mg/kg. Four patients were given adenosine as a diagnostic procedure to elicit occult pre-excitation. The most common side effects were brief feelings of discomfort. No serious side effects occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Adenosine is safe and effective in the management of supraventricular tachycardia in children. A commencing dose of 0.1 mg/kg is appropriate.
Sherwood
M C
MC
Adolph Basser Cardiac Institute, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
Lau
K C
KC
Sholler
G F
GF
D000241:Adenosine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000241:Adenosine