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Review
. 2019 May-Jun;19(3):104-109.
doi: 10.1016/j.ipej.2019.02.007. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Fetal arrhythmias: Diagnosis and management

Anjan S Batra  1 , Seshadri Balaji  2
Affiliations
Review

Fetal arrhythmias: Diagnosis and management

Anjan S Batra et al. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J. 2019 May-Jun.

Abstract

This article reviews important features for improving the diagnosis and management of fetal arrhythmias. The normal fetal heart rate ranges between 110 and 160 beats per minute. A fetal heart rate is considered abnormal if the heart rate is beyond the normal ranges or the rhythm is irregular. The rate, duration, and origin of the rhythm and degree of irregularity usually determine the potential for hemodynamic consequences. Most of the fetal rhythm disturbances are the result of premature atrial contractions (PACs) and are of little clinical significance. Other arrhythmias include tachyarrhythmias (heart rate in excess of 160 beats/min) such as atrioventricular (AV) reentry tachycardia, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia, and bradyarrhythmias (heart rate <110 beats/min) such as sinus node dysfunction, complete heart block (CHB) and long QT syndrome (which is associated with sinus bradycardia and pseudo-heart block).

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
M-mode echocardiography with simultaneous recording of the atrial and ventricular contractions showing a premature atrial contraction (PAC) that did not conduct to the ventricle.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Protocol for management of SVT.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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