Neonatal supraventricular tachycardia: current diagnostic approaches and emerging technologies

Neonatal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) represents the most common pathological tachyarrhythmia in the neonatal period, with an incidence of 1:250-1000 live births. This review synthesizes current diagnostic methodologies and explores the potential of emerging technological innovations. Traditional modalities, including 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and ambulatory monitoring, remain foundational but face limitations regarding signal quality and intermittent capture in neonates. Emerging technologies-specifically deep learning algorithms, biocompatible wearable sensors, and non-contact sensing modalities-offer promising avenues to enhance detection. While AI models in broader pediatric cohorts have reported diagnostic accuracies exceeding 90%, neonatal-specific validation remains a critical need. This review discusses the integration of these tools into clinical workflows, highlighting potential improvements in diagnostic timing while addressing persistent technical, regulatory, and ethical barriers. We provide a framework for clinicians navigating this evolving landscape, emphasizing the need for rigorous validation of new technologies in the unique neonatal population.