Medical therapy for the hydropic fetus with congenital complete atrioventricular block.
Early delivery, immediate ventricular pacing, and inotropic support have failed to improve the outcome of hydropic fetuses with congenital complete atrioventricular block. On detection of hydrops, two fetuses were treated with maternally administered digoxin and furosemide with prompt and sustained resolution of intrathoracic fluid accumulations. Clearance of serosal fluid collections may prevent pulmonary hypoplasia and improve cardiac function. Before proceeding with premature delivery in such patients, a brief trial of transplacental anti-congestive therapy is indicated.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York 14642.
J P
JP
Harris
C G
CG
Alexson
J A
JA
Manning
H O
HO
Thompson
D000328:Adult; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006327:Heart Block / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy
D004077:Digoxin; D005665:Furosemide