ECMO for cardiac rescue in a neonate with accidental amiodarone overdose

Intravenous (IV) amiodarone hydrochloride has proven to be a very effective antiarrhythmic treatment option for a variety of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias in adults and paediatric patients. Amiodarone is known to have significant side effects and these especially include profound hypotension in animals and adults, vasodilatation, negative inotropic effects, and significant bradycardia especially when administered intravenously. Special caution is warranted in patients with decreased contractility and end-stage heart failure. We present a case of accidental amiodarone overdose in a newborn treated for atrial flutter resulting in cardiovascular collapse. The patient could be rescued by rapid initiation of VA-ECMO treatment. The patient survived without neurological damage.