Treatment of supraventricular tachycardia with adenosine in children: size does matter.
Adenosine is frequently used as first-line therapy for supraventricular tachycardia in both adults and children. A large bore cannula is recommended to ensure a rapid rate of delivery, as adenosine has a relatively short half-life. This may not always be considered in paediatric patients. This case concerns a 15-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with a fast heart rate, who had previously required repeated high doses of adenosine. The case reinforces the need for a large bore cannula when giving intravenous adenosine.
Connor
S
S
A&E Department, Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, UK. suzythain@hotmail.com
D000241:Adenosine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000241:Adenosine