WOLFF-PARKINSON-WHITE SYNDROME

(WPW Syndrome)

CONTENTS

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

What causes it

What are the symptoms

How is it treated

What can a parent do

WHAT IS WPW SYNDROME?

1.Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome is also known as WPW Syndrome.

2.In the normal heart, electrical signals move through the heart from the upper chambers (the atria) to the lower chambers (the ventricles). The electrical signals cause the heart to beat at a regular rate.

3.In patients with WPW syndrome the electrical signals may arrive at the lower chambers (the ventricles) too soon. This may allow the heart to beat too fast.

4.This fast heart rate can be seen on an EKG (electrocardiogram) test.

5.A Pediatric Cardiologist—a specialist in heart problems of babies and children—sees babies with WPW Syndrome.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

1.An abnormal extra pathway for the electrical signals to travel between the upper and lower chamber allows the abnormal fast heart rate to happen.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

1.The most common symptom of WPW syndrome is Tachycardia: an abnormal very fast heart rate called SVT. This abnormal very fast heart rate causes:

a.Lethargy (very sleepy)

b.Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

c.Poor eating or taking a longer time than usual to finish a feeding

d.Rapid, visible movement (pulsations/pounding) of the chest near the heart.

2.Most babies never have any symptoms.

HOW IS IT TREATED

1.You may be asked to count your baby’s pulse once a day.

2.You may be asked to listen to your baby’s heart rate with a stethoscope if the baby’s heart rate is different from the usual rate.

3.The most common treatment for babies with symptoms is medications (drugs).

a.Adenosine: This medication is used to stop the abnormal very fast heart rate (SVT) in babies who have WPW. Babies usually do not get this medication at home

b.Beta-blockers: (for example, Propranolol, Atenolol) This medication slows the heart rate and makes it less likely that the baby will have SVT and symptoms

c.Stronger medications such as Sotalol or Amiodarone can be used if the fast heart rate is difficult to control

d.The Pediatric cardiologist will decide which medication is best for your baby.

4.WPW can be cured by a procedure called an “ablation” once the child is big enough (usually 2-3 years old). Until that time, medications are used to control the fast heart rate.

5.Babies without symptoms usually don’t need treatment.

WHAT CAN A PARENT DO

  1. An important part of the baby getting better is the parents’ love and concern.
  2. We encourage you to talk and sing to your baby, gently touch or rub them and hold them close if tolerated by the baby. Talk with your baby’s nurse about this.
  3. Your love and attention will go a long way in helping your little one on the road to recovery.
  4. Keep up with your baby’s progress each time you visit or call.

Reviewed/Revised: 1/06…..09/11

WPW Syndrome-1