ABSTRACT
Objective:To summarize the arrhythmic characteristics, clinical course, and prognosis of chaotic atrial tachycardia (CAT) in neonates.Methods:The researchers retrospectively analyzed and described the clinical data obtained from 30 neonates diagnosed with CAT and treated at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province from January 2019 to August 2022. Prenatal and postnatal data were collected to analyze the electrocardiogram characteristics, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis of CAT. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square (or Fisher's exact) tests. Results:(1) Among the 30 newborns with CAT, 19 were male infants (63%). The diagnosis age [ M(min-max)] was 11 days (1-28 days). Among them, 20 (67%) were born with full term, six (20%) had low birth weight, and 15 (50%) had abnormal cardiac structures. (2) The incidence of postnatal complex arrhythmias (coexisting with atrial fibrillation, flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, etc.) in fetuses with abnormalities, including fetal arrhythmias and fetal distress, was higher than those without abnormalities (9/14 vs 3/16, Fisher's exact, P=0.024). The median maximum atrial rate in incessant-type CAT patients (8 cases) was higher than that of paroxysmal-type CAT patients (22 cases) [400 bpm (300-700 bpm) vs 300 bpm (200-460 bpm), Z=－2.41, P=0.02]. There was no statistically significant difference in the maximum ventricular rate between the two groups [250 bpm (190-350 bpm) vs 270 bpm (180-350 bpm), Z=－0.26, P=0.800]. There were 19 cases (63%) complicated with diseases that seriously affected the respiratory or circulatory system, or infectious diseases. (3) Antiarrhythmic drugs were used in 23 cases (77%), including six cases treated with one drug, 12 cases with two drugs, and five cases with more than two drugs, mainly propafenone (20 cases, 67%). Seven cases (23%) with no complex arrhythmia turned to normal rhythm spontaneously without using antiarrhythmic drugs. Among all cases, 16 (53%) achieved clinical cures after complete cardioversion during hospitalization, while 14 cases (47%) were not cured. (4) The children who were cured during hospitalization were followed up for 1.5 months (2 weeks to 8 months) after discharge, and no recurrence was observed, indicating good growth and development. Untreated patients were followed up for 1.9 years (3.5 months to 4.4 years), of which seven cases completely recovered within six months, and the other seven cases continued to recur. However, no adverse outcomes, such as death, occurred. Conclusions:The overall prognosis of neonatal CAT is favorable. A history of fetal arrhythmia and intrauterine distress may increase the risk of CAT. Active drug treatment should be considered for children of CAT with complex arrhythmia.