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Low-energy radiofrequency catheter ablation as therapy for supraventricular tachycardia in a premature neonate

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Abstract

A premature neonate with hydrops was born at 32 weeks of gestation after successful direct fetal amiodarone therapy via cordocentesis for incessant supraventricular tachycardia. After birth the tachycardia could not be controlled despite high doses of amiodarone and flecainide and the patient developed severe respiratory and circulatory failure. After 3 weeks, weighing 2 kg, he underwent successful and uncomplicated catheter ablation of a left free-wall accessory pathway using low-energy radiofrequency. Conclusion:radiofrequency catheter ablation is rarely used in neonates, but when used with caution may provide the optimal treatment.

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Abbreviations

RF :

radiofrequency

RFCA :

radiofrequency catheter ablation

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre LUMC, 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Denise P. Kolditz, Nico A. Blom, Regina Bökenkamp & Martin J. Schalij

Authors
  1. Denise P. Kolditz
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  2. Nico A. Blom
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  3. Regina Bökenkamp
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  4. Martin J. Schalij
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Correspondence to Nico A. Blom.

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Kolditz, D.P., Blom, N.A., Bökenkamp, R. et al. Low-energy radiofrequency catheter ablation as therapy for supraventricular tachycardia in a premature neonate. Eur J Pediatr 164, 559–562 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-005-1686-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-005-1686-z

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