Pediatric Second-Degree Atrioventricular Block Medication

  • Author: M Silvana Horenstein, MD; more...
 
Updated: Jan 27, 2012
 

Medication Summary

In general, patients with second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block with symptomatic bradycardia may be medicated with intravenous isoproterenol or atropine acutely. However, these agents must be administered in a hospital setting with cardiac monitoring available. Patients with Mobitz I (Wenckebach) AV block secondary to increased vagal tone may respond to theophylline, glycopyrrolate, or scopolamine. Pacemaker therapy is required when medications fail to control symptoms.

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Beta-adrenergic agonists

Class Summary

Isoproterenol has beta1-adrenergic and beta2-adrenergic receptor activity. It binds beta receptors of the heart, smooth muscle of bronchi, skeletal muscle, vasculature, and alimentary tract. Isoproterenol has positive inotropic and chronotropic actions.

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Isoproterenol (Isuprel)

 

Isoproterenol is usually given as a continuous intravenous infusion for rate support. It is usually administered as a temporizing measure, initiated during the organization of temporary or permanent pacing system placement for symptomatic patients with bradycardia from heart block or sinus node disease.

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Anticholinergics

Class Summary

The goal of anticholinergic therapy is to improve AV node conduction by reducing vagal tone via the muscarinic receptor blockade. This is effective only if the site of a block is within the AV node. Anticholinergic therapy is ineffective for patients with infranodal block.

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Atropine

 

Atropine is administered to increase heart rate through vagolytic effects, causing an increase in cardiac output.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

M Silvana Horenstein, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston; Medical Doctor Consultant, Legacy Department, Best Doctors, Inc

M Silvana Horenstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Cardiology, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Robert Murray Hamilton, MD, MSc, FRCPC  Section Head, Electrophysiology, Senior Associate Scientist, Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Labatt Family Heart Centre; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Robert Murray Hamilton, MD, MSc, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Heart Association, Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Medical Protective Association, Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, Heart Rhythm Society, Ontario Medical Association, Pediatric Electrophysiology Society, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Charles I Berul, MD Professor of Pediatrics and Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Cardiology, Children's National Medical Center

Charles I Berul, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, Heart Rhythm Society, Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Johnson & Johnson Consulting fee Consulting

Alvin J Chin, MD Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Cardiology Division, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Alvin J Chin, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Heart Association, and Society for Developmental Biology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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A common pattern of second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block consists of gradual prolongation of the PR interval leading up to a nonconducted P wave; this pattern is known as Wenckebach AV block, or Mobitz I AV block. This rhythm strip is an example of classic Mobitz I, or Wenckebach, AV block, in which the PR interval prolongs by sequentially smaller increments, with consequent shortening of the RR intervals until the blocked beat occurs. However, classic Wenckebach block is present in only a minority of cases. Wenckebach block is most easily diagnosed by comparing the PR interval following the blocked beat with the PR interval preceding the blocked beat; if the PR interval shortens following the blocked beat, the block is most likely of the Wenckebach type.
If the PR interval fails to shorten following a blocked beat, non-Wenckebach AV block (or Mobitz II AV block) is said to be present. This block is usually located more distally in the His bundle or the His bundle branches, or both, and the escape rates are usually slower and less stable.
 
 
 
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