[The transplacental therapy of fetal tachyarrhythmias]

Minerva Pediatr. 1993 May;45(5):203-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

The diagnosis of fetal tachyarrhythmia during a routine ultrasound scan imposes a continuous monitoring of fetal heart function through ECG and M-mode echocardiography. Since fetal dysrhythmia can lead to non-immune hydrops or to fetal death a correct diagnosis and an adequate intrauterine therapy are fundamentally important. The authors report the results obtained through a transplacental therapy with digoxin or with digoxin-verapamil in 8 cases with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia. Digoxin was very successful for conversion in sinus rhythm in 4 cases. The combination digoxin-verapamil led to the conversion in only one case resistant to the digoxin therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Digoxin / administration & dosage
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Placenta*
  • Pregnancy
  • Remission Induction
  • Tachycardia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tachycardia / drug therapy*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal
  • Verapamil / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Digoxin
  • Verapamil