Adenosine triphosphate in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia.

The efficacy of adenosine triphosphate (ATP, Spofa) in controlling supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was assessed in a group of 20 consecutive patients with this condition. Sinus rhythm was restored in a total of 19 patients (95% efficacy). SVT termination was followed, in a full 40% of patients, by asystole with a mean duration of 8.6 seconds; there were, however, no sequelae and no measures had to be taken. ATP can be regarded as a welcome addition to the current range of pharmacological options available for the treatment of SVT.