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Contemporary treatment in children with ventricular extrasystoles without underlying structural cardiac pathology

Milena Avdzhiyska, Peter Shivachev

Abstract

Introduction: Ventricular extrasystoles (VES) in childhood occur in both children with congenital heart malformations and those without structural heart pathology. In most cases, no treatment is necessary. In patients with a high frequency of VES and subjective complaints or the presence of an underlying cardiac indication, drug treatment should be initiated.

Aim: The aim of this article is to summarize and evaluate therapeutic approaches in children with VES without underlying structural heart pathology by analyzing the available literature in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Medscape.

Results: Beta blockers are the first choice for the treatment of VES in children. In case of failure or contraindication to their use calcium antagonists are included. Antiarrhythmic drugs of class I or class III can also be used to treat more complex or resistant VES due to their proarrhythmic potential. If drug therapy fails, ablation of the focus is performed.

Conclusion: Most patients do not require drug treatment. When initiating such treatment, an assessment of the VES, the patient's impact, and possible side effects should be made.

 


Keywords

ventricular extrasystoles, treatment, pediatrics

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14748/vmf.v14i2.10486

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