Bradyarrhythmias in pregnancy: a case report and review of management.
We present a case of unpaced pre-existing congenital heart block in pregnancy, diagnosed for the first time in labour. Our patient was asymptomatic and was managed conservatively with temporary pacing equipment on standby. She had a post-partum cardiology follow-up and was paced in the puerperium. We discuss the aetiopathogenesis and the variable presentation patterns of bradyarrhythmia in pregnancy and the multidisciplinary approach to their management. Our recommendations combine the Advanced Life Support algorithm for treatment of bradycardia and the successful management strategies of several documented case reports in the literature.
Adekanye
O
O
Department of Anaesthetics and Intensive Care Medicine, Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. adekanyeo@cf.ac.uk
Srinivas
K
K
Collis
R E
RE
D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D005283:Fentanyl; D002045:Bupivacaine