Document Detail


Congenital heart block: clinical features and therapeutic approaches.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17711901     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Isolated congenital heart block is strongly associated with anti-Ro antibodies. It occurs in 2% of anti-Ro antibody positive pregnancies with a recurrence rate of 17-19%. Mortality is high in the first year of life (12-41%) and is predominantly due to dilated cardiomyopathy. A prolonged QTc occurs in 15-22% of cases and minor structural defects such as atrial septal defects and patent arterial ducts are well recognized. The 'mechanical' PR interval can now be measured in utero allowing for the detection of first-degree heart block. Both first and second-degree heart block detected in utero respond to therapy with fluorinated steroids. Complete congenital heart block is not reversible. Progression from a normal PR interval to complete heart block can occur within a week. IVIG is under investigation for the prevention of recurrence of congenital heart block, while dexamethasone should not be used for this purpose due to unacceptable toxicity. Data on the use of fluorinated steroids for established complete heart block is conflicting, although their use in cases where there is evidence of hydrops, poor ventricular function or both is not controversial.
Authors:
P A Gordon
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Lupus     Volume:  16     ISSN:  0961-2033     ISO Abbreviation:  Lupus     Publication Date:  2007  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2007-08-22     Completed Date:  2008-02-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9204265     Medline TA:  Lupus     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  642-6     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Rheumatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK. patrick.gordon@kingsch.nhs.uk
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Heart Block / diagnosis*,  therapy
Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Long QT Syndrome / diagnosis,  therapy

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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