Congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) is a condition in which the atria and ventricles beat independently of each other. CCAVB cases require permanent pacemaker implantation until adulthood. Nevertheless, consensus regarding postnatal medical therapy for bradycardia has not been reached. Here we report the case of a newborn with CCAVB, whose intractable bradycardia was successfully treated with transdermal tulobuterol. Tulobuterol is a selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist, widely used safely as bronchodilator in children. It also has positive inotropic and chronotropic effect via β1-adrenoceptors. We believe the tulobuterol patch can be used as an optional therapy for CCAVB where pacemaker implantation is not available.
Keywords: congenital complete atrioventricular block; newborn; SS-A/Ro antibodies; tulobuterol.