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Fetal Arrhythmias: A 3‐Year Experience*
Author(s) -
Rajadurai V. Samuel,
Menahem Samuel
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1992.tb01893.x
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial flutter , hydrops fetalis , supraventricular tachycardia , atrial tachycardia , fetus , cardiology , tachycardia , atrioventricular block , presentation (obstetrics) , pregnancy , atrial fibrillation , obstetrics , catheter ablation , biology , genetics
Summary Eight cases of fetal arrhythmia were seen over a 3‐year period. Two had atrial and/or ventricular extrasystoles, 1 had complete atrioventricular block and 5 had tachyarrhythmias ‐ 3 supraventricular tachycardia, 1 atrial flutter and 1 ectopic atrial tachycardia. All had structurally normal hearts. Nonimmune hydrops fetalis was the initial presentation in 3 of the 5 cases with tachyarrhythmias. There were 2 deaths ‐a stillbirth and a neonatal death, while 2 others required neonatal intensive care. The 6 survivors have remained well and are now off treatment. The diagnosis, careful assessment and management of a fetal arrhythmia may lead to a successful outcome. The complexity of the problems experienced may warrant early referral to a tertiary centre where the overall management of the mother, fetus and neonate, may be undertaken.