What is Pediatric Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) in children?

Long QT syndrome, or LQTS, is a disorder affecting the electrical system of the heart. The heart takes longer than usual to contract and also recover or "recharge." This condition may be life-threatening when left untreated.

What happens in long QT syndrome?

There is a region of the heart called the sinus knot, which transmits electrical impulses that tell the heart to beat at the normal rhythm. Each time the heart beats, it rapidly "recharges" for the next beat. The time it takes to recharge is called the QT interval. If this QT interval becomes longer than it should be, it will affect the timing of the heartbeat and may culminate in a chaotic or even fatal rhythm.

What are the types of long QT syndrome?

There are three subtypes of LQTS.

LQT1 is more likely to cause symptoms during exercise or emotional stress.
The LQT2 is more likely to trigger the symptoms of stress.
LQT3 is known to be more or less active during periods of sleep or inactivity.

What are the symptoms of Pediatric Long QT syndrome?

Some children with long QT syndrome experience no symptoms. Other children may feel their heartbeats change, get a feeling of dizziness from time to time, pass out, or even have a seizure.

In some cases, effects like stress, exercise, or startle can induce symptoms. However, symptoms can sometimes begin suddenly without any warning.

What Causes Long QT syndrome?

It can be natural to some, which means they are inherited as a gene alteration, or it can simply be the fact that the baby has a condition acquired at birth, meaning the child develops the disorder later on.

Causes include-

Some types of drugs and electrolyte imbalances. Long QT syndrome can be treated, but it can't be" cured" and will not go own independently. Acquired long QT syndrome generally stops if the cause (like certain drugs) goes down. It can affect people of all ages but is occasionally more serious in children. Because the natural QT syndrome is inherited, other family members may also have it.

How Is Long QT Syndrome Diagnosed?

The doctor diagnoses a child's long QT syndrome by asking for the health history of the child and the family's health history. They request some tests similar to an ECG to observe how the heart is beating, exercise testing (stress test) at times, and genetic testing.

What are the treatment options for long QT syndrome?

Treatments for LQTS vary from life changes to surgery. The kind of treatment your child's doctor advises will depend on his or her particular situation.

Life treatments-

Life changes may include: Lessening stress, caffeine, or alcohol, which can provoke arrhythmia changes in diet; staying doused to maintain electrolytes (sodium and potassium) before, during, and after conditioning.
Limiting some exercise or competitive sports.

Medication-

Your child's doctor may also recommend beta-blockers or other types of medications specific to reduce the risk of arrhythmias and the threat of sudden cardiac arrest.

Surgery-

Some children with LQTS may need surgery. Several options include-

Ablation: This surgical procedure removes the extra or abnormal electrical pathways in the heart, which can cause fast or irregular heart rates.
Pacemaker: This artificial electronic device is surgically implanted inside the body to command the rhythm of the heartbeat.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): A small device similar to a pacemaker that is implanted under the skin, often in the shoulder area. An ICD detects the rate at which the heart is beating. If it gets too high, the ICD delivers a small electrical shock that slows the heart down. Some ICDs are paired with a pacemaker to deliver electrical signals that interrupt arrhythmias.

What else should I know?

Long QT syndrome may be lifelong. So, children who have it will require periodic checks by a cardiologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating heart problems. They should always check with their cardiologist so they know which drugs are safe to take.

By following the advice of a cardiologist for drugs, diet, and exercise, most children with long QT syndrome will stay healthy. Some children will be able to participate in sports, however, only in very controlled environments under the guidance of a cardiologist. Discuss with your cardiologist what conditions your child should avoid and which are safe to attempt.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Pediatric Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Pediatric Cardiologists, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Pediatric Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Pediatric Atherosclerosis.