Overview of the chronic management of supraventricular tachycardia in children

This algorithm is intended for use in conjunction with additional UpToDate content on SVT in children. Refer to UpToDate topics on the management of SVT in children for additional details of our approach to treatment and the overall efficacy of these treatments.
SVT: supraventricular tachycardia; RFA: radiofrequency ablation; WPW: Wolff-Parkinson-White.
* Infants <1 year old with recurrent and/or refractory SVT present a management challenge. An overview of initial treatment options is provided here. For additional details, refer to UpToDate content on SVT in infancy.
¶ Digoxin should not be used in patients with WPW syndrome, because it can accelerate conduction across the accessory pathway.
Δ In expectant management, no specific treatment is provided. The child is monitored for at least 24 hours, and the parents are taught to recognize SVT and to terminate episodes using vagal maneuvers (eg, applying an ice bag to the face, performing the Valsalva maneuver, assuming a head-down position, inducing the gag reflex).