Fetal Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias: Pharmacokinetics, Modes of Action, and Results of Anti-Arrhythmic Drug Therapy

doi:10.1017/9781108564434.018

Chapter 17 - Fetal Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias: Pharmacokinetics, Modes of Action, and Results of Anti-Arrhythmic Drug Therapy

from Fetal Dysrhythmias

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 October 2019

Edgar Jaeggi and

Edited by

Anthony Johnson and

Mark D. Kilby: Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
Anthony Johnson: Affiliation:
University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Dick Oepkes: Affiliation:
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum

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Summary

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) belongs to the common cardiac causes of fetal heart failure and perinatal death [1]. With the arrival of ultrasound imaging to non-invasively detect cardiac anomalies before birth, the fetus has increasingly become the target of intended prenatal treatment. This includes the off-label administration of pharmaceutical agents via the maternal circulation or directly into the fetus to treat SVT. As anti-arrhythmic drugs act on one or several ion channels, the autonomous system, or both, we will start with an overview of the normal and abnormal electro-mechanical activation of the heart before discussing indications, modes of action, and effects of anti-arrhythmic therapy for fetal SVT.

Type: Chapter
Information: Fetal Therapy
Scientific Basis and Critical Appraisal of Clinical Benefits
, pp. 166 - 175

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108564434.018 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2020

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