Supraventricular tachycardias in neonates and infants: factors associated with fatal or near-fatal outcome

Synchronized cardioversion resolving refractory supraventricular tachycardia in a neonate: a case report with comprehensive analysis

Introduction and importance

Neonatal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) poses unique challenges in diagnosis and management, with refractory cases requiring synchronized cardioversion being exceptionally rare. This case report explores the presentation and management of refractory SVT in a neonate, emphasizing the significance of sharing such clinical scenarios.

Case presentation

A 16-day-old neonate, born via emergency caesarean section, presented with respiratory distress, poor feeding, and vomiting. Initial diagnosis of SVT was made on the basis of electrocardiography (ECG) changes. Initial attempts with adenosine failed, leading to the recurrence of tachycardia. Despite amiodarone administration, the tachycardia persisted, prompting synchronized cardioversion. Post-cardioversion, the neonate was managed with oral medications, showing sustained improvement.

Clinical discussion

This case report highlights a neonate with refractory SVT, requiring synchronized cardioversion, presenting a rare and challenging scenario. The report addresses diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and potential mechanisms for refractory SVT, such as delayed presentation and resistance to adenosine. Emphasizing individualized care plans and vigilant monitoring, this report is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, contributing to neonatal cardiology understanding and emphasizing the importance of early recognition and effective interventions. Ongoing follow-up and successful outcomes underscore the need for sustained management strategies.

Conclusion

This case report sheds light on the rarity of refractory SVT in neonates, emphasizing the complexities in diagnosis and management. Successful synchronized cardioversion and subsequent oral therapy highlight the need for a multifaceted approach in neonatal SVT cases. The implications for clinical practice underscore the importance of awareness and continued research in neonatal cardiology and emergency medicine.

Rediscover the predictive capacity of B-type natriuretic peptide applied to neonatal supraventricular tachycardia

BACKGROUND

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is one of the most common non-benign arrhythmias in neonates, potentially leading to cardiac decompensation. This study investigated the early risk factors of acute heart failure (AHF) secondary to SVT in neonates, and explored their value in guiding the selection of effective anti-arrhythmic treatment.

METHODS

A total of 43 newborns diagnosed with and treated for SVT between January 2017 and December 2022 were analyzed. According to the presence of AHF after restoring sinus rhythm in newborns with SVT, they were divided into SVT with AHF group and SVT without AHF group. Clinical data and anti-arrhythmic therapies were analyzed. Risk factors of AHF secondary to SVT in neonates were determined using logistic regression. The cut-off value for predictors of AHF secondary to SVT and demanding of a second-line anti-arrhythmic treatment was determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Time to initial control of tachycardia > 24 h, hyperkalemia, anemia, and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were identified as risk factors of AHF secondary to SVT in neonates. BNP exhibited AUC of 0.80 in predicting AHF, and BNP > 2460.5pg/ml (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.27 ~ 45.39, P = 0.03) was an independent predictor, yielding sensitivity of 70.6% and specificity of 84.6%. Neonates with BNP > 2460.5pg/ml (37.5% versus 7.4%, P = 0.04) had a higher demand for a second line anti-arrhythmic treatment to terminate SVT, with sensitivity and specificity for BNP in predicting at 75.0%, 71.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

BNP could be used to predict an incident of AHF secondary to SVT and a demand of second-line anti-arrhythmic treatment to promptly terminate SVT and prevent decompensation in neonates.

Antiarrhythmic Drug Dosing in Children-Review of the Literature

Antiarrhythmic drugs represent a mainstay of pediatric arrhythmia treatment. However, official guidelines and consensus documents on this topic remain scarce. There are rather uniform recommendations for some medications (including adenosine, amiodarone, and esmolol), while there are only very broad dosage recommendations for others (such as sotalol or digoxin). To prevent potential uncertainties and even mistakes with regard to dosing, we summarized the published dosage recommendations for antiarrhythmic drugs in children. Because of the wide variations in availability, regulatory approval, and experience, we encourage centers to develop their own specific protocols for pediatric antiarrhythmic drug therapy.