Experience using propranolol for the management of supraventricular tachycardia in patients younger than 1 year.

Objective: To assess the results and adverse events of propranolol therapy in infants younger than 1 year with supraventricular tachycardia.

Population And Methods: Infants younger than 1 year with documented supraventricular tachycardia who received oral treatment and prophylaxis with propranolol. Sex and age, associated congenital heart disease, ventricular preexcitation in the base line electrocardiogram, on-treatment recurrence, and adverse events were analyzed.

Results: A total of 107 patients were identified. The first supraventricular tachycardia event occurred at a median age of 190 days. Associated congenital heart disease was observed in 10 patients. Ventricular preexcitation in the baseline electrocardiogram was detected in 23.3 %. Propranolol dose ranged from 2 to 5 mg/kg/day. On-treatment recurrence was observed in 30.8 %. Medication was discontinued in 2 patients due to severe adverse events.

Conclusion: Propranolol prevented recurrence in 70 % of cases. It was discontinued in 2 patients due to severe adverse events.