title: Atrioventricular block during fetal life.
abstract: Congenital complete atrioventricular (AV) block occurs in approximately 1 in 20,000 live births and is known to result in significant mortality and morbidity both during fetal life and postnatally. Complete AV block can occur as a result of an immune or a non-immune mediated process. Immune mediated AV block is a multifactorial disease, but is associated with the trans-placental passage of maternal autoantibodies (anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB). These autoantibodies attach to and subsequently damage the cardiomyocytes and conduction tissue in susceptible fetuses. In this report, we examine the evidence in reference to means of assessment, pathophysiology, and potential prenatal therapy of atrioventricular block.
authors.affiliation: Fetal Cardiology Unit, Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Lindsey E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.affiliation: Fetal Cardiology Unit, Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Simpson
keywords: Complete atrioventricular block; Congenital heart disease; Fetal arrhythmia; Fetal echocardiography; Prenatal therapy