The effect of dexmedetomidine in a child with intractable supraventricular tachyarrythmia after total cavopulmonary connection

We report a case of a 3-year-old boy who had undergone total cavopulmonary connection for repair of corrected transposition of the great arteries (cTGA), and developed intractable supraventricular tachyarrhythmia. The patient was in cardiogenic shock and did not respond to antiarrhythmic drugs and cardioversion, and we used extracorporeal life support (ECLS) to maintain hemodynamics. We used dexmedetomidine to block sympathetic activity. After administration of dexmedetomidine, tachycardia was improved, and the sinus rhythm returned. No recurrence was observed. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine might be useful for intractable supraventricular tachyarrhythmia after pediatric congenital heart surgery.