Successful treatment of atrial flutter with amiodarone in a premature neonate. Case report and literature review

[Supraventricular tachycardia in infants]

Supraventricular tachycardia in infants are variable. We try to summarize clinical, electrical and treatment particularities of supraventricular arrhythmia in infants. The majority of infants with supraventricular arrhythmia have a good clinical outcome and an excellent prognosis and may not require chronic antiarrhythmic therapy if they had precocious treatment.

Amiodarone for the emergency care of children

Amiodarone is a class 3 antiarrhythmic agent used for a broad range of arrhythmias including adenosine-resistant supraventricular tachycardia, junctional ectopic tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia. Compared with adults, there are few data on its use in children with arrhythmias resistant to conventional therapy. National and international guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care recommend its use for a variety of arrhythmias based on case reports, cohort studies, and extrapolation from adult data. This article will review the historical development, chemical properties, metabolism, indications and contraindications, and adverse effects of amiodarone in infants and children. After completing this CME activity, the reader should be able to utilize amiodarone in the pediatric population for arrhythmias and identify complications associated with its use.