Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a condition that causes tachycardia (fast heartbeat). A normal heartbeat in babies is 100 to 150 beats per minute, and 55 to 110 in older children. WPW may cause 150 to 300 heartbeats per minute. WPW develops because an extra piece of heart muscle causes more electrical activity within your child's heart. WPW can develop for no known reason. Congenital heart disease or a family history of WPW can increase your child's risk.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.
Medicines:
Medicines may be given to slow or regulate your child's heartbeat.
Tests:
- An EKG is a test that measures the electrical activity of your child's heart.
- Blood tests may be used to check your child's thyroid and potassium levels.
- An x-ray may show if your child's heart is larger than it should be.
Treatment:
- Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure used to send energy to the area of your child's heart that has an electrical problem. The energy causes an area of the heart muscle to scar. This stops the electrical problem and allows your heart to beat normally.
- Cardioversion is a procedure used to give your child's heart an electrical shock. The shock may help put your child's heartbeat back into a normal rhythm. Cardioversion may be needed if other treatments do not work.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
Your child may develop heart failure or low blood pressure. Rarely, WPW can cause shock or death.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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