Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia following DTP and poliomyelitis immunization

Abstract

Arrhythmias including paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia and auricular fibrillation after vaccinations have rarely been reported in the literature [1,2]. Herein, we report on an infant with paroxysmal SVT, which developed following DTP (diphtheria, tetanus toxoids and pertussis), and poliomyelitis immunization because of very rare presentation. A previously healthy 4-month-old girl was admitted to our hospital with fever, vomiting, and dyspnea. Three days before admission, DPT and oral poliomyelitis immunization were administrated. Aforementioned symptoms initiated about five hours after immunization and the symptoms gradually increased. The personal and family history was unremarkable. On physical examination fever was 35.5◦C; pulse rate 220/min; and respiratory rate 100/min. Arterial pressure was too low to be measured. She was in lethargic. She had generalized cutis marmorata, severe respiratory distress, tachycardia, tachypnea, intercostal, subcostal and suprasternal retractions and 3-cm hepatomegaly. On laboratory investigation, hemoglobin was 10 g/dL; leuko-