Sustained fetal sinus bradycardia after maternal cardioversion.

Hwangbo, Ji Hye; Bae, Jin Young; Heo, Eun Young; Kim, Mi Ju; Seong, Won Joon

doi:2011.54.1.53

Obstet Gynecol Sci > Volume 54(1); 2011 > Article

Case Report

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2011;54(1):53-56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.1.53 Published online January 1, 2011.

Sustained fetal sinus bradycardia after maternal cardioversion.

Ji Hye Hwangbo, Jin Young Bae, Eun Young Heo, Mi Ju Kim, Won Joon Seong

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. duchess7@naver.com

Abstract

Direct current cardioversion is reported as a safe procedure during pregnancy. However, the impact of cardioversion on fetal haemodynamics remains unclear. A 28-year-old woman at 10 2/7 weeks of gestation developed shortness of breath while walking. Under the confirmation of atrial flutter by a 12-lead electro-cardiogram, synchronized shock was proceeded at 17 weeks of gestation and the maternal heart rhythm was converted to sinus rhythm. After 3 months, the baseline of fetal heart rate decreased to 110 beats per minute. Fetal bradycardia was aggravated at term, and caesarean section was performed. Following caesarean section, the infant made a full recovery. Although cardioversion during pregnancy is known to be safe, monitoring of fetal heart rate during maternal cardioversion is advisable considering the possibility of severe fetal bradycardia and loss of variability.

Key Words: Maternal cardioversion, Fetal bradycardia, Arrhythmia