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Best practice
Fifteen-minute consultation: How to manage neonatal bradycardia
  1. Sudeep Shrestha,
  2. Giacomo Buratti,
  3. Reem Husseiny,
  4. Nicola Storring,
  5. Prashanthi Katta
  1. Paediatrics, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Redhill, Surrey, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Sudeep Shrestha; sudeepucms{at}gmail.com

Abstract

Neonatal bradycardia is characterised by a heart rate below 80 bpm, irrespective of gestational age. It is generally self-resolving but, in some cases, represents an underlying pathology which may be cardiac or non-cardiac in origin. The common causes for bradycardia are non-cardiac in origin such as autonomic immaturity in premature infants, electrolyte imbalances, hypothyroidism and medications. Cardiac causes include—sinus bradycardia, conduction system abnormalities, congenital heart disease and channelopathies. Diagnostic investigations typically include a standard 12-lead ECG, 24-hour Holter monitor and an echocardiogram. This article aims to provide a practical framework for the management of neonates with bradycardia and guide further investigation and/or referral to specialist paediatric cardiology services.

  • Cardiology
  • Neonatology

https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2024-327619

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors PK conceptualised the idea. SS did an initial literature search and review, prepared the draft. GB contributed to the literature search and long QT syndrome. RH prepared the section on aetiology. SS compiled all drafts. PK and NS reviewed. PK and SS finalised the final manuscript.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.