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Management of postoperative pediatric cardiac arrhythmias: Current state of the art

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Opinion statement

Postoperative arrhythmias in the pediatric population remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality despite advances in surgical techniques. Although our understanding of these arrhythmias has improved, the number of therapeutic options to treat them has not increased significantly in recent years. However, in the specific case of bradyarrhythmias, the use of pacemakers has reduced morbidity and mortality significantly. Additionally, various antiarrhythmic medications, in conjunction with physiologic maneuvers when necessary, have improved our ability to treat postoperative tachyarrhythmias. The prompt recognition and proper treatment of postoperative arrhythmias can reduce morbidity and mortality for these patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Place, Campus Box 8116-NWT, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Jennifer N. A. Silva

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  1. Jennifer N. A. Silva
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  2. George Van Hare
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Correspondence to Jennifer N. A. Silva.

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Silva, J.N.A., Van Hare, G. Management of postoperative pediatric cardiac arrhythmias: Current state of the art. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 11, 410–416 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-009-0043-3

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