Treatment of fetal congenital complete heart block with maternal administration of beta-sympathomimetics (terbutaline): a case report.

Abstract

We report a case of fetal congenital heart block treated with maternal administration of beta-sympathomimetics. The case was diagnosed as fetal complete heart block associated with maternal anti-Ro/SS-A antibody at 22 weeks of gestation. By fetal sonography, the ventricular rate was revealed to be 60 beats/min and mild cardiomegaly was shown. We initiated maternal administration of a sympathomimetic, specifically terbutaline, to prevent fetal heart failure. An increase in the fetal ventricular rate and an improvement in cardiac function were both achieved during the treatment. A viable infant was delivered by an elective cesarean section without complications at term. Maternal administration of the beta-adrenergic agent terbutaline is suggested to be effective for improving fetal congenital heart block in order to prevent heart failure in utero.

• Authors: H Yoshida, M Iwamoto, H Sakakibara, H Shigeta, F Hirahara, K Sato
• Journal: Gynecologic and obstetric investigation (Gynecol Obstet Invest) Vol. 52 Issue 2 Pg. 142-4 ( 2001) ISSN: 0378-7346 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 11586045 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Sympathomimetics
• Terbutaline

Topics

• Adult
• Cardiotocography
• Female
• Fetal Diseases (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Fetal Heart (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Heart Block (congenital, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Heart Failure (prevention & control)
• Heart Rate, Fetal (drug effects)
• Humans
• Prenatal Care
• Sympathomimetics (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Terbutaline (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal