The value of intravenous procaine amide in the treatment of tachycardias

1. 1. Procaine amide was given intravenously to sixteen patients during twenty-two episodes of tachycardia of various origins with conversion to normal sinus rhythm in fourteen instances. 2. 2. Ventricular tachycardia was successfully treated in all of five attempts. 3. 3. Supraventricular tachycardias responded in eight out of twelve episodes. Two cases of atrial tachycardia with 2:1 block included in this group did not revert to normal rhythm. 4. 4. In four cases of recent atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rates, one returned to normal sinus rhythm and in two instances atrial flutter appeared. 5. 5. Aberrant ventricular conduction at a rapid rate complicated two cases of atrial fibrillation. Isolated ventricular aberration appeared in one case of atrial tachycardia with 2:1 block when treated with both procaine amide and Quinidine Sulfate. 6. 6. It would appear advisable to fully digitalize all patients with atrial fibrillation before giving procaine amide. 7. 7. The intravenous route of administration is a safe method and results are accomplished rapidly.