Successful parental use of an automated external defibrillator for an infant with long-QT syndrome

Pediatrics. 2006 Aug;118(2):e526-9. doi: 10.1542/peds.2006-0129. Epub 2006 Jun 30.

Abstract

Congenital long-QT syndrome with 2:1 atrioventricular block presenting in the perinatal period is rare, has a poor prognosis, and leads to high risk for lethal ventricular arrhythmic events. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator seems to be the most effective treatment in the prevention of arrhythmic sudden cardiac death in patients with long-QT syndrome. Technical limitations and risks associated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in asymptomatic infants is considered too great to justify use for primary prophylaxis against sudden cardiac death. In this case report we describe the first successful parental use of an automated external defibrillator prescribed for primary prophylaxis against sudden cardiac death in an infant with long-QT syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Defibrillators*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable
  • Electric Countershock*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Emergencies
  • Female
  • First Aid*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Long QT Syndrome / complications
  • Long QT Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Long QT Syndrome / therapy*
  • Mexiletine / therapeutic use
  • Parents*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Torsades de Pointes / drug therapy
  • Torsades de Pointes / etiology
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Mexiletine