wolff parkinson white

My nephew has WPW syndrome which was treated by your clinic about 15 years ago sucessfully.(Thanks!)  I have three sons now and was wondering if there is any genetic link to the syndrome.  If so, should my children be evaluated?

Lila

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Lila,

There may actually be a genetic link in some cases.  There was a recent article concerning this topic in the New England Journal of Medicine (Identification of Gene responsible for familial Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. NEJM. 344:1823-31, 2001).  Probably the easiest test for your children would be an ECG. Their doctor can order this during their next visit.  Best wishes.  

[Michelle C.]

Wow. What good timing. I've been trying to get on to ask a question about WPW and have been unsuccessful for several days (too many questions filed by the time I log on here on the West Coast). My 6 week old nephew has uncontrolled WPW after being in the NICU twice (at 3 and 5 weeks, for almost a week each time). I am wondering if anyone knows of an expert on this in infants anywhere in the country, or specifically in New England. Would the ablation technique apply for such a young heart? Finally, do infants die from this? My nephew stopped breathing last week and even the EMTs had a hard time correcting the problem (the ice to the face stopped the fast heartbeat, but also the breathing it seems). He's back in the hospital now and they are cycling through meds to see if something will work for him....

As for your inquiry, my cousin also has WPW and I suspect my son has a mild case (occasional racing heart -- I never thought to get it checked in the past). I don't know if there is a genetic test for it yet, though they did find the gene mutation responsible. I personally am going to notify my doctor and my kids' pediatrician. Other thing is that this condition can remain dormant until the 50s -- so you might actually have it if it is running through your side of the family (it could come from your nephew's father, rather than your side of the family).

Good luck to you!

Michelle C.

[dososo]

Find your heart comments truly informative.but it would be most  helpful if all abbreviations were fleshed out to their full terms
e.g. CHF (congestive heart failure)  Thank you