Abstract

9 children with supraventricular tachycardias refractory to conventional therapy were treated with propranolol. In 3 children normal sinus rhythm was restored. In 3 others frequency of paroxysmal arrhythmias was decreased. In 1 reduction of ventricular response to the ectopic rhythm was achieved, and in 2 remaining patients, propranolol had no effect. The dosage of propranolol ranged from 0·5 to 4·0 mg/kg per day, given orally, with few side effects. It appears that propranolol can play an important role in treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias of childhood unresponsive to conventional therapy.