Benchmark treatment for heart disorders safe for children of all ages
Patients aged 0-16 years old with various forms of heart problems were recruited to participate in this study, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, where radiofrequency ablation, a non-surgical procedure, was used to treat various heart rhythm disorders. Short and long-term risks associated with this procedure among children include damage to heart valves, new heart problems and even sudden death. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the safety of this procedure on the heart of a young child that is still developing.
However, according to the study, radiofrequency ablation represents a major advancement in the management of children with arrhythmias, or abnormal heart beats, and "has rapidly become the standard of care for first-line therapy in patients of nearly all ages."
Data revealed high success in use of this treatment on the over 2,700 patients. The success rate did not differ significantly by demographics but showed that those patients with a particular disorder dealing with the left-side of their heart had the highest percentages, with 98% able to be cured with the technique.
"The results should serve as a benchmark for likely results of the procedure in children and will be essential in the evaluation of new technology introduced for the ablation of heart rhythm disorders in children," states author of the paper, George Van Hare, MD.
Funded by a grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, this study confirms and extends previous observations made by the Pediatric Radiofrequency Ablation Registry.
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Article adapted by Start Sanatate from original press release.
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This study is published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. Media wishing to receive a pdf of this article please contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
About the Author
George F. Van Hare, MD is Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at University of California San Francisco. He has received grant support for numerous studies including from the American Heart Association, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Dr. Van Hare contributes to over 18 other scientific publications. He is available for questions and interviews and can be reached at vanhare@stanford.edu.
About the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology The Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology (JCE) keeps its readership well informed of the latest developments in the study and management of arrhythmic disorders. Edited by Eric N. Prystowsky, M.D., and a distinguished international editorial board, JCE is the leading journal devoted to the study of the electrophysiology of the heart and blood vessels.
About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher. The company remains independent with over 900 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell publishes over 700 journals in partnership with more than 550 academic and professional societies.
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Obiectivul specific de tratament pentru tulburãri cardiace siguranþã pentru copii de toate vârstele - Benchmark treatment for heart disorders safe for children of all ages - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate