Research Article: Antiarrhythmic Drug Dosing in Children—Review of the Literature
Abstract:
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.
Introduction:
Supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) represent the majority of arrhythmias in pediatric patients, including the foremost atrioventricular reentry tachycardia (AVRT), atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrial tachycardia (AT). Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL), predominating in the adult population, are less frequently encountered in pediatric patients. AF and AFL occur mainly following heart surgery or, occasionally, may be caused by alcohol consumption [1,2]. Ventricular…
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