Efficacy of verapamil in the conversion of supraventricular tachycardia in Singapore children.

The efficacy of verapamil in the conversion of 47 episodes of supraventricular tachycardia in 22 children was evaluated. The age of the patients ranged from 15 days to 10 years. Tachycardia was the main mode of presentation. Ten out of 22 children had viral infections. Two patients developed mild cardiac failure. Six patients had underlying cardiac abnormalities. Forty-four out of 47 episodes of supraventricular tachycardia were converted to sinus rhythm by a single dose of verapamil (0.11 +/- 0.08 mg/kg). No significant side-effects were observed. Intravenous verapamil is an effective and safe drug for the conversion of supraventricular tachycardia in children.