title: Successful treatment of long QT syndrome-induced ventricular tachycardia with esmolol.
abstract: Esmolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker with very rapid onset of action and short half-life due to its metabolism by blood-borne esterases. This unique profile among currently available beta-blockers renders esmolol highly useful in critical care situations. However, published experience with the use of esmolol in critically ill children is scant. The case of a 4-year-old boy with secondary long QT syndrome and ventricular tachycardia successfully treated with esmolol is presented.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain. jbalcell@cs.vhebron.es
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Balcells
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pujol
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Iglesias
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011412:Propanolamines; C036604:esmolol