Abstract
Premature atrial complexes are the most frequent electrical phenomen experienced during fetal life. Foetal atrial tachycardias have to be divided into supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) (mainly re-entry-tachycardias) and atrial flutter. In experienced hands, diagnosis is made easily in most cases. Diagnosis and treatment are managed by the fetal pediatric cardiologist together with the perinatologist. At present, Sotalol, Flecainide and Digoxin are the recommended drugs for the treatment of foetal atrial tachycardias. They have similar profiles of side effects but different success rates. Nowadays, mortality and morbidity of foetal atrial tachycardias are seldom and the postnatal course is good (20, 36). Sotalol is the first choice of first-line treatment in atrial flutter. Flecainide is the first choice of first-line treatment in SVT with hydrops. Sotalol, Flecainide and also Digoxin can be used in SVT without hydrops as first-line treatment. Combinations of these antiarhythmic drugs are convenient. Amiodarone is indicated in tachycardias refractory to convential drug therapy. For successful therapy, experience in the management of atrial foetal tachycardias is essential. In foetal atrial tachycardias, refractory to drug therapy, preterm delivery can be considered in advanced pregnancies.
| Translated title of the contribution | Foetal atrial extrasystole and foetal atrial tachycardia. Current state of the diagnosis and therapy |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 257-276 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Gynakologische Praxis |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2016 |
Keywords
- Amiodarone
- Atrial flutter
- Atrial tachycardias
- Digoxin
- Fetal
- Flecainide
- Sotalol
- SVT