Re: Afib in pediatrics

Posted By Chris  on May 19, 1999 at 15:31:21
My 11 y/o son was recently diagnosed with Afib.  He was first diagnosed with WPW when he was 10 days old.  Just recently he went for an ablation, but during the procedure they could not get him into svt, but rather afib.  We have been told that he no longer show WPW on his ekg, and that he does have AFib.  
He is currently on Atenolol, but continues to have episodes of Afib, which bring on the symptoms of chest pains, nausea, dizziness, and profuse sweating.  These episodes can last up to 15-20 minutes.  We have been attempting to record one on an event recorder, but have been unsuccessful to date. My son has no underlying heart disease, and no problems with his thyroid.
I really hope you can help me.  I have looked everywhere on Afib in children, but have been unsuccessful. His cardiologist admits that he has never had a case of Afib before.  
Our hmo has told us that we are no longer able to see the cardiologist my son has had since birth, and I am looking for any information that may help with my appeal.
Thank you so much for all your help- Chris

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 20, 1999 at 14:28:32
Dear Chris
Children can have afib. In the setting of possible WPW, this can be a real problem; if they have an episode of rapid atrial fibrillation, the WPW can cause the heart to beat extremely fast and this can lead to sudden cardiac death. You should have your son see a pediatric cardiac electrophysiologist. Dr Sterba would be the doctor to see here at the Cleveland Clinic - you could make an appointment at the number below.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.











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