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Case Reports
. 2013 Jun;4(3):126-128.
doi: 10.4021/cr278w. Epub 2013 Jul 11.

Pregnancy With SLE and Fetal Congenital Heart Block: A Case Report

Affiliations
Case Reports

Pregnancy With SLE and Fetal Congenital Heart Block: A Case Report

Suman Puri et al. Cardiol Res. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

Autoimmune AV block is usually seen in association with autoimmune antibodies in mother that cross the placenta and damage the AV node of fetus. A 24-year-old primigravida, diagnosed to have SLE, at 25 weeks period of gestation found to have fetal bradycardia. Her ANA was moderately positive, SS-A (Ro) antibodies and SS-B (La) antibodies were positive. Fetal ECHO showed no structural defect but heart rate was 55 - 60 beats per minute. She was put on dexamethasone (4 mg/day). She was lost on follow up and presented at term in emergency with labor pains and fetal bradycardia, underwent a lower segment caesarean section. Baby underwent a temporary cardiac pacing within 10 hours of birth followed by permanent pacing on day 3 of birth. Baby is doing well on follow up. Neonates with isolated congenital heart block who are monitored antenatally and delivered in a planned fashion at an institution capable of early pacing can have favorable outcomes.

Keywords: Fetal bradycardia; Fetal congenital heart block; SLE with pregnancy.

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