SVT Termination Score and Adenosine Dosing
Guides assessment and management of narrow complex tachycardia (SVT/AVNRT) including vagal manoeuvres and adenosine dosing by body weight.
Score interpretation
→ Monitor; ECG post-termination; 12-lead ECG for delta waves (WPW); electrophysiology referral if recurrent; patient education on vagal manoeuvres
→ Adenosine: 6mg rapid IV bolus (large peripheral vein) + 20ml saline flush; if no response 2 min: 12mg; if no response: 12mg again; warn patient of transient chest tightness, flushing, dyspnoea; monitor ECG throughout; avoid in asthma (use verapamil instead)
→ Unstable: synchronised DC cardioversion 200J biphasic under sedation; broad complex SVT: amiodarone 300mg IV over 20-60 min; if VT suspected: seek cardiology urgently; do NOT give verapamil with broad complex
Interpretation bands for the SVT / Adenosine. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Adenosine (IV — SVT Termination) · Antiarrhythmic (Adenosine Receptor Agonist)
- Hydrocortisone (ICU — Stress Dosing) · Corticosteroid (ICU/Septic Shock)
- Adenosine · Antiarrhythmic (Purinergic)
- Lidocaine IV (Cardiac Arrhythmia) · Antiarrhythmic
- Metoprolol (IV/Oral — Cardiology) · Beta-Blocker
- Adenosine · Antiarrhythmic
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.