Romano-Ward syndrome dysrhythmias can be effectively treated with which autonomic intervention?

Romano-Ward syndrome dysrhythmias can be effectively treated with which autonomic intervention?

• A. Lidocaine
• B. Procainamide
• C. Quinidine
• D. Left stellate ganglion blockade

Answer: (D)

Romano-Ward syndrome, a congenital long QT disorder, often triggers dangerous ventricular arrhythmias during sympathetic surges. Reducing sympathetic input to the heart can stabilize repolarization and lessen these arrhythmias. A left stellate ganglion blockade interrupts the sympathetic nerves to the heart, lowering adrenergic effects and decreasing the triggers for torsades de pointes. This autonomic intervention is used in refractory cases or perioperatively to control malignant arrhythmias in long QT patients. The other options are antiarrhythmic drugs that treat rhythm disturbances but do not address autonomic modulation.

Romano-Ward syndrome, a congenital long QT disorder, often triggers dangerous ventricular arrhythmias during sympathetic surges. Reducing sympathetic input to the heart can stabilize repolarization and lessen these arrhythmias. A left stellate ganglion blockade interrupts the sympathetic nerves to the heart, lowering adrenergic effects and decreasing the triggers for torsades de pointes. This autonomic intervention is used in refractory cases or perioperatively to control malignant arrhythmias in long QT patients. The other options are antiarrhythmic drugs that treat rhythm disturbances but do not address autonomic modulation.