Drug therapy of cardiac diseases in children.

JUSTIFICATION The indications and doses of most drugs used for heart ailments in children are extrapolated from data in adult patients. Separate guidelines are needed for neonates, infants and children because of the differences in underlying heart diseases and metabolic clearance of some of these drugs. PROCESS Consensus emerged following expert deliberations at the National Meeting on Management of Congenital Heart Diseases in India, held on 13th September 2008, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, supported by Pediatric Cardiac Society of India. OBJECTIVES To review the literature and frame evidence based guidelines for (i) indications, doses, adverse effects and safety profile of commonly used drugs in pediatric cardiology practice; and (ii) to provide an algorithm for treatment in various clinical settings. RECOMMENDATIONS Consensus review and recommendations are given for drugs used in children for heart failure, hypertension, thrombosis, supraventricular tachycardia and intensive care. Guidelines are also given for use of intravenous immunoglobulins and sildenafil in children.