Sinuatrial disease causing persistent fetal bradycardia: intrauterine detection and management

Abstract

We report a case of sustained sinus bradycardia, detected at 32 weeks gestation and confirmed by echocardiography, where emergency caesarian section was avoided by demonstration of normal intrauterine cord blood pH and oxygen tension. Delivery at 37 weeks produced a healthy girl who required no resuscitation. The bradycardia persisted and, in the absence of structural heart disease, was attributed to sinuatrial disease. Persistent fetal sinus bradycardia is not necessarily an indication for urgent delivery.