CLINICAL FEATURES AND ANTIARRHYTHMIC THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CATECHOLAMINERGIC POLYMORPHIC VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
Aims. To evaluate the long-term efficacy of antiarrhythmic therapy in patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Methods. CPVT was diagnosed in 11 patients between the ages of 3-12 years with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The data analyzed was obtained from existing medical records that included symptoms, family screenings, treadmill tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography, implanted cardioverter-defibrillator data (ICD), and medical treatments. Results. Cardiac events were registered in 75% of patients on beta-blocker therapy. Supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial and atrioventicular nodal tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter were detected using various ECG diagnostic methods in all patients, which is significantly higher than reported in similar studies. A combination of antiarrhythmic therapy and beta-blocker treatment reduced the number of cardiac events by 50% as compared to only beta-blocker treatment. Conclusion. Multiple supraventricular arrhythmias have a high prevalence in patients with CPVT and can trigger ventricular arrhythmia. Combined antiarrhythmic therapy is effective because it prevents cardiac events in patients with CPVT. Combined antiarrhythmic therapy improves the prognosis of patients with CPVT and may help to avoid or postpone ICD implantation.