SVT Treatment with Dexmedetomidine

Protocol Description

This study will measure whether the drug dexmedetomidine is as effective as or better than the drug adenosine for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). SVT is an accelerated heart rhythm caused by dysfunction of the heart’s electrical system. Researchers have observed that dexmedetomidine, which is more commonly used as a sedative, has anti-arrhythmic properties and believe it may have the ability to terminate SVT without certain side effects frequently seen with the standard medicine used for SVT.

Eligibility Criteria

A physician’s referral is required for this study, which is open only to children and young adults who have a history of SVT and have been scheduled for a cardiac electrophysiology study for evaluation of their SVT.
Males and Females: Ages 5 to 30

Requirements

Patients experiencing SVT during their electrophysiology study will be given adenosine. If it does not terminate the SVT, then dexmedetomidine will be given. If adenosine terminates the SVT, then dexmedetomidine will be given during a subsequent electrophysiology study. If neither treatment works, physician investigators will end the SVT using other standard of care methods. Patients will be followed for adverse events as part of this study until discharged from the hospital or for 1 week, whichever comes first.
Visits: None beyond what is required for the electrophysiology study
Duration: Not Applicable

Status: Open to Enrollment

Source(s) of Support

University of Pittsburgh

Additional Information

Study Description at National Institutes of Health

Contact Information

For information, please contact:
Kelli Shepler, CRC
412-692-6061