Fetal arrhythmias

Fetal arrhythmias

80 - 90% of foetuses with suspected arrhythmias have a sinus rhythm with supraventricular extrasystoles which can also be partially blocked, 10-15% have a tachycardic cardiac action and only 5% have foetal bradycardia.

In the latter two arrhythmias there is a possibility of the occurrence of hydrops fetalis.

The diagnosis of foetal cardiac arrhythmias is carried out using M-mode or Doppler echocardiographic methods, which make it possible to write a "foetal ECG".

After a precise diagnosis of the cardiac arrhythmia (e.g. tachycardia in the foetus), it may be necessary to initiate the administration of antiarrhythmic drugs to the mother. This is carried out in co-operation with cardiologists, and dexamethasone is also administered in co-operation with internists, e.g. in the case of a foetal AV block.

The timing of the birth, in particular a possible caesarean section, is discussed in the team, as is the immediate postpartum management of the often critically ill children, including cardioversion, possible pacemaker implantation and control of drug therapy.