Transplacental flecainide therapy for fetal supraventricular tachycardia in a twin pregnancy

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 1999 Feb;39(1):110-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1999.tb03458.x.

Abstract

We present the case of a twin pregnancy in which 1 fetus developed hydrops secondary to supraventricular tachycardia at 30 weeks' gestation. Transplacental flecainide administration successfully treated the condition without evidence of maternal or fetal side-effects. The case raises ethical and possibly legal issues that present when 1 fetus in a twin pregnancy develops a condition the management of which could cause complications to the other twin and/or the mother.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Diseases in Twins / therapy*
  • Ethics, Medical
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Flecainide / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydrops Fetalis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydrops Fetalis / etiology
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Pregnancy
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / complications
  • Tachycardia, Supraventricular / drug therapy*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Flecainide