Diagnosis and management of fetal bradyarrhythmias

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2008 Feb:31 Suppl 1:S50-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2008.00957.x.

Abstract

Complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is the most common cause of persistent fetal bradycardia. In the presence of a structurally normal heart, it develops primarily in anti-Ro and anti-La positive antibody pregnancies after 20 weeks of gestation. There is a significant risk of perinatal demise, particularly in association with fetal hydrops, poor ventricular function, and heart rates < 55 beats/min. Transplacental treatment strategies are aimed at preventing or modulating these risk factors. Maternal administration of dexamethasone to mitigate or prevent concomitant myocardial inflammation, in combination with beta-stimulation for persistent fetal bradycardia < 55 beats/min to increase fetal cardiac output, has resulted in significantly improved fetal and neonatal outcomes without reversing CAVB.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bradycardia / diagnosis*
  • Bradycardia / embryology
  • Bradycardia / therapy*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Diseases / therapy*
  • Heart Transplantation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents