[Treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in children].

Although young infants may have severe symptoms from supraventricular tachycardia the majority responds to treatment. In 60-90% of the infants the arrhythmias disappear within 6-12 months, whereas in older children the supraventricular tachycardia tends to reoccur. Our recommended acute treatment in infants less than six months of age is to emmerse the face in cold water, but adenosine should be used for pharmacological termination of supraventricular tachycardia in all age groups. If this fails, direct current cardioversion should be applied without delay. Intravenous verapamil should not be used, however, in infants for termination of supraventricular tachycardia. Flecainide can be used for acute and prophylactic treatment.