Pediatrics PHARMACOLOGIC MANAGEMENT OF SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIAS INCIDLDREN

OBJECI1VE: To review the literatureregarding the use of antiarrhythmic agents in the managementof atrial flutter (AF), atrial fibrillation (Afib), junctional ectopic tachycardia (JEf), and atrial ectopic tachycardia(AET) in infants and children. To discuss the advantagesand disadvantages of specific agents in each type of arrhythmiain an effort to develop treatment guidelines. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search encompassing the years 1966-1996 was used to identifypertinent literaturefor discussion. Additional referenceswere found in the articles, which were retrieved via MEDLINE. S"11JDV SELEcnON: Clinical trials that address the use of antiarrhythmic agents for the treatmentof supraventricular tachycardia, AF, Afib, JET, and AET in children were selected. Literaturepertaining to dosage, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicity of antiarrhythmicagents in children were consideredfo