Real-time directed M-mode echocardiography permits analysis of atrial and ventricular mechanical systole and allows inference of the type of arrhythmia present. Accurate diagnosis in cases of fetal tachyarrhythmia is of vital importance when therapy is considered, and in planning further management and delivery of an affected infant. Fetal tachyarrhythmia may be life-threatening especially when fetal hydrops is present and aggressive therapy is mandatory in these cases with digoxin being the drug of choice. In our series the incidence (8.3%) of congenital heart disease was as expected, but the incidence (54%) of atrial flutter was surprisingly high. The prognosis was dependent on the presence or absence of fetal hydrops and was not influenced by the type of arrhythmia or gestational age.

Keywords:
Fetal tachyarrhythmia, Fetal treatment, Prognosis of fetal tachyarrhythmia
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1987 S. Karger AG, Basel
1987
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.