paediatric treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
The arrythmia can occasionally be terminated by vagal stimulation:
- in the infant, elicit the dive reflex by immersing its face in ice-cold water
- in the child, the Valsalva manoeuvre, carotid massage and orbital pressure may be effective
In an emergency, DC cardioversion is indicated.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs include:
- in the infant: adenosine or flecainide
- in the child: verapamil
- digoxin is effective, but slow (and should NOT be used in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome)
Longterm prophylaxis:
- digoxin
- beta-blockers