Abstract
Propranolol has been extensively studied in adults but its use in children has been infrequently reported. Fifty infants and children treated with oral propranolol are presented. In 34 subjects, an investigational liquid form of the drug was used. The diagnoses were: 1) tachydysrhythmias (27),2) decreased pulmonary blood flow and hypoxemic spells (17) and 3) idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) (6). In each group, effectiveness, dose used, and side effects, including postoperative problems, were analyzed.
In the patients with decreased pulmonary flow and “spells,” propranolol treatment was effective in 76.4% (13 of 17). Tachydysrhythmias were abolished in 62.9% (17 of 27). Propranolol relieved the symptoms in each of the 6 patients with IHSS. Use of the liquid form enhanced treatment in infants by case of administration and the ability to make small changes in doses. The liquid form was found to be equally as effective as the tablet. Side effects to propranolol included bradycardia in 4 patients, somnolence in 3, increased signs of congestive heart failure in 1 and wheezing in 1. Postoperative low cardiac output was not observed.
Based on this study, we conclude that propranolol is an effective and safe drug for use in pediatric patients with certain types of cardiac disease.
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Gillette, P., Eterovic, E., Neches, W. et al. RESULTS OF ORAL PROPRANOLOL TREATMENT IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 11, 392 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00137
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00137
