Abstract | OBJECTIVES: We assessed the clinical presentation, natural history, and treatment response of atrial ectopic tachycardia ( AET) in children <3 years of age (group 1) compared with those > or =3 years of age (group 2). BACKGROUND: METHODS: A retrospective review identified all children at Texas Children's Hospital diagnosed with AET from March 1991 to November 2000. Data obtained included clinical presentation, echocardiographic evaluation, response to antiarrhythmic therapy, spontaneous resolution, and outcomes of radiofrequency and surgical ablation. RESULTS: Sixty-eight children were identified (22 children <3 years and 46 children > or =3 years of age). Control of AET with antiarrhythmic therapy was achieved in 91% of the younger children but only 37% of the older children (p < 0.001). There was a higher rate of spontaneous resolution in the younger group (78%) compared with the older group (16%) (p < 0.001). Radiofrequency ablation was performed in 35 of the older children, with ultimate success in 74%. Surgical intervention was required for six children. CONCLUSIONS: Younger children respond to antiarrhythmic therapy and have a high incidence of AET resolution, thus warranting a trial of antiarrhythmic therapy. In children > or =3 years, AET is unlikely to resolve spontaneously, and antiarrhythmic medications are frequently ineffective. Thus, RFA should be considered early in the course of treatment for these children; however, surgical intervention may be necessary.
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Authors | Jack C Salerno, Naomi J Kertesz, Richard A Friedman, Arnold L Fenrich Jr |
Journal | Journal of the American College of Cardiology
(J Am Coll Cardiol)
Vol. 43
Issue 3
Pg. 438-44
(Feb 04 2004)
ISSN: 0735-1097 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15013128
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Age Factors
- Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Cardiac Surgical Procedures
(methods)
- Catheter Ablation
(methods)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Male
- Remission, Spontaneous
- Retrospective Studies
- Tachycardia, Ectopic Atrial
(physiopathology, therapy)
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