Introduction: Congenital complete heart block is an uncommon condition in the newborn, but is known to occur with maternal systemic lupus erythematosus.
Clinical picture: This paper presents one such baby with complete heart block who was born premature (after a gestation of 30 weeks) and weighing 759 g.
Treatment: Continuous isoprnaline infusion was initially used to support the baby while her other neonatal problems were treated. A Medtronics VV1 pacemaker was subsequently inserted to maintain a heart rate that would be more physiologically acceptable for the patient.
Outcome: This baby is currently thriving well, having been followed up for one year.
Conclusions: The management issues, encompassing maternal and neonatal problems, and a review of current literature on this condition are discussed.