Transplacental digoxin therapy for fetal atrial flutter with hydrops fetalis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Without timely treatment, fetal atrial flutter (AF) could result in congestive heart failure, hydrops fetalis and even fetal demise.

METHODS:

Prenatal echocardiography was used to confirm AF and assess fetal cardiac function with cardiovascular profile score. Transplacental digoxin therapy was adopted, and the patient was followed up for 10 months.

RESULTS:

The healthy male baby was delivered with normal postnatal electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Neither arrhythmia nor neurodevelopmental impairment was found during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Timely transplacental digoxin therapy can successfully treat fetal AF and allow the fetus to recover from AF associated fetal heart failure and hydrops fetalis prior to delivery.

• Authors: Kai-Yu Zhou, Yi-Min Hua, Qi Zhu
• Journal: World journal of pediatrics : WJP (World J Pediatr) Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 275-7 (Aug 2012) ISSN: 1867-0687 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 21874611 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
• Digoxin

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Arrhythmia Agents (administration & dosage)
• Atrial Flutter (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Digoxin (administration & dosage)
• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Fetal Diseases (drug therapy)
• Fetal Monitoring
• Humans
• Hydrops Fetalis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Male
• Maternal-Fetal Exchange
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Outcome
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal