Temporary cardiac pacing to rescue children with fulminant myocarditis：a report of 23 cases and literature review

Abstract:

Objective：To analyze the therapeutic effects of temporary cardiac pacing as a rescue treatment in children with fulminant myocarditis，and to explore the indications for pacing and prognosis of these children. Methods：The clinical data of 23 children with fulminant myocarditis who received temporary cardiac pacing were retrospectively analyzed，and relevant literature was reviewed. Results：The development of fulminant myocarditis in the 23 children were characterized by acute onset，rapid progression，and occur－rence of life-threatening malignant arrhythmias and acute hemodynamic disorders within a short term. All children survived to hospi－tal discharge after installation of a temporary cardiac pacemaker on the basis of high-dose corticosteroids，gamma globulin，and other drugs，and 82.6% of the children regained sinus rhythm. Conclusion：When fulminant myocarditis is complicated by unsuccessful drug-treated severe arrhythmia or life-threatening acute hemodynamic disorders，timely temporary cardiac pacing is a safe and effec－tive first-aid measure and is conducive to follow-up treatment.