Open Access<p>Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Autoimmune Atrioventricular Block</p>
Author(s) -
Wirada Hansahiranwadee
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 45
ISSN - 1179-1411
DOI - 10.2147/ijwh.s257407
Subject(s) - medicine , hydroxychloroquine , atrioventricular block , autoantibody , fetus , pregnancy , heart block , in utero , disease , immunology , antibody , electrocardiography , covid-19 , biology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , genetics
Autoimmune congenital atrioventricular block (CAVB) has been extensively studied in recent decades. The American Heart Association published guidelines for monitoring pregnant women with anti-Ro/Sjögren's syndrome antigen A (SSA) or anti-La/Sjögren's syndrome antigen B (SSB) autoantibodies, which are considered to increase the risk of CAVB. Information about the natural history of the disease in utero has contributed to the detection of fetuses with CAVB in the treatable stage. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may be used to prevent CAVB. The lack of large randomized control trials is a major drawback to fully confirm the benefits of fluorinated steroids such as dexamethasone. Although, when combined with a β-sympathomimetic agent, the outcome of administering a fluorinated steroid in complete CAVB is still controversial. Novel treatments targeting the immunological process might prevent the recurrence of CAVB in pregnant women with previously affected children.