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Overview of fetal arrhythmias. Curr Opin Pediatr 2008 Oct;20(5):522-31

Date

09/11/2008

Pubmed ID

18781114

Pubmed Central ID

PMC3326657

DOI

10.1097/MOP.0b013e32830f93ec

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-53549118858 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   56 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Though fetal arrhythmias account for a small proportion of referrals to a fetal cardiologist, they may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The present review outlines the current literature with regard to the diagnosis and, in brief, some management strategies in fetal arrhythmias.

RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in echocardiography have resulted in significant improvements in our ability to elucidate the mechanism of arrhythmia at the bedside. At the same time, magnetocardiography is broadening our understanding of mechanisms of arrhythmia especially as it pertains to ventricular arrhythmias and congenital heart block. It provides a unique window to study electrical properties of the fetal heart, unlike what has been available to date. Recent reports of bedside use of fetal ECG make it a promising new technology. Fetal magnetocardiography is also developing. The underlying mechanisms resulting in immune-mediated complete heart block in a small subset of 'at-risk' fetuses is under investigation.

SUMMARY: There have been great strides in noninvasive diagnosis of fetal arrhythmias. However, we still need to improve our knowledge of the electromechanical properties of the fetal heart as well as the mechanisms of arrhythmia to further improve outcomes. Multiinstitutional collaborative studies are needed to help answer some of the questions regarding patient, drug selection and management algorithms.

Author List

Srinivasan S, Strasburger J

Author

Janette F. Strasburger MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed
Electrocardiography
Female
Fetal Diseases
Fetal Heart
Fetal Monitoring
Fetal Mortality
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Outcome
Pregnancy, High-Risk
Sensitivity and Specificity
Severity of Illness Index
Ultrasonography, Prenatal