[Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: experience in the neonatal period].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The management of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in infants is somewhat controversial since numerous methods of treatment are effective. Regardless of the treatment chosen, it is important to quickly stop the tachycardia in neonates with SVT because they may suddenly become hemodynamically unstable.

METHODS

Seventeen episodes of SVT treated with intravenous ATP are studied in 3 newborns (two were preterm infants: 30 and 34 weeks of pregnancy). Ages at presentation ranged from 2 to 27 days.

RESULTS

ATP is effective in all episodes of SVT, with a mean intravenous doses between 0.10 and 0.50 mg/kg/dose. All patients showed short sinus arrest after ATP. No adverse side effects or hemodynamics changes occurred after ATP administration.

CONCLUSIONS

ATP is a safe and reliable antiarrhythmic in neonatal period, including prematurity. We reviewed the experience in ATP management of SVT, mainly in pediatric population.