In the pediatric population, cardiac emergencies originating from the cardiac system are much less frequent than in adults. Cardiac chief complaints stem predominantly from respiratory causes or other systems in the body being out of homeostasis, creating a secondary cardiac issue. The exception to these cases is pediatric patients with congenital heart defects or cardiac dysfunction diseases. The importance of the history and physical examination cannot be overemphasized in the evaluation of infants and children with suspected cardiovascular disorders (1). Unlike adults, ACS is not in the top list of differentials for pediatric chest pain complaints. Understanding the nature of the complaint, pediatric physiology, paired with a PAT assessment will aid BCEHS practitioners in further treatment and conveyance options to best suit these pediatric patients.
Essentials
A slow (bradycardic)heart rate is often a result of hypoxia.
Effective airway management is paramount in pediatrics with low heart rates. Ensuring adequate oxygen and ventilation while correcting the source of hypoxia is crucial.
Concerning Cardiac Signs/Symptoms:
For infants:
Decreased growth
Decreased feeding
Cyanosis
Respiratory Distress
For older children:
Poor exercise tolerance
Fatigue
Dyspnea
Orthopnea
Additional Treatment Information
Differential Diagnosis of Chest Pain in Pediatric Patients
Sinus arrhythmia is a normal variant seen in children and is described as a variation in heart rate over time without symptoms. The variation coincides with breathing. Typically, the rate increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation. There is no concern if this is the lone finding.
Tachycardia is a sustained increased heart rate. A heart rate > 180 bpm in a child, or > 220 bpm in an infant, is unlikely to be rapid sinus tachycardia and more likely to be an arrhythmia.
Narrow complex tachycardia (QRS < 0.09 seconds) with visible p-waves is considered to be sinus tachycardia and a primary cause should be determined. No specific cardiac management of sinus tachycardia is needed. Treat the underlying cause (e.g., pain, fever, hypovolemia, hypoxia, or anemia) as appropriate.
Narrow complex tachycardia with no visible p-waves, with abrupt onset or termination and no change with activity, is considered to be SVT. Stable patients with no previous history and no hemodynamic compromise require support with oxygen, continuous cardiac monitoring, and conveyance to ED, with equipment for electrical cardioversion immediately available. Symptomatic patients should be treated with a vagal maneuver, adenosine, or cardioversion if unstable.
Wide complex tachycardia (QRS > 0.08 seconds) in a conscious patient with adequate perfusion and a heart rate > 150 bpm is probably in stable ventricular tachycardia and requires support with oxygen, continuous cardiac monitoring, and conveyance to ED, with equipment for electrical cardioversion immediately available.
Wide complex unstable tachycardia in a child with poor perfusion should be considered ventricular tachycardia and be treated rapidly with synchronized cardioversion with sedation if readily available.
In refractory cases or situations where appropriate treatment options are unclear, contact Clinicall.
Bradycardia is a sustained decreased heart rate. In the pediatric populations, bradycardia is usually secondary to a different pathology and treatment focuses on the underlying cause.
As hypoxia may be a contributor, ensure optimized oxygenation and ventilation, including bag-valve mask if needed.
Consider a 20cc/kg crystalloid bolus to address hypotension.
In a pediatric patient with a HR < 60 bpm coupled with poor perfusion, CPR is indicated. Ensure maximal oxygenation and bag-valve mask ventilation is provided. If heart rate remains < 60 bpm for 30 seconds of effective oxygenation and ventilation, begin chest compressions. Signs of poor perfusion include cyanosis, mottling, decreased LOC, and lethargy.
Epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg IV/IO is indicated for bradycardia unresolved by oxygenation, ventilation, and chest compressions.
Atropine is only indicated when increased vagal tone or primary AV block is the suspected etiology of the bradycardia; with all other causes, epinephrine is preferred.
Bradycardia with complete heart block or a history of congenital or acquired heart disease, pacing may be indicated.
BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event) and ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event) are not specific disorders but terms for a group of alarming symptoms that can occur in infants. They involve the sudden appearance of respiratory symptoms (such as apnea), change in colour or muscle tone, and/or altered responsiveness. Events typically occur in children < 1 year with peak incidence at 10 to 12 weeks. Some of these events are unexplained (and designated BRUEs), but others result from numerous possible causes including digestive, neurologic, respiratory, infectious, cardiac, metabolic, or traumatic (e.g., resulting from abuse) disorders.
Interventions
First Responder (FR) Interventions
Keep the patient at rest
Position the patient: if symptoms suggest hypotension, position supine