Author/Editor		Vesel, Samo; Mazić, Uroš; Blejec, Tanja; Podnar, Tomaž
Title		First-degree heart block in the fetus of an anti-SSA/Ro-positive mother: reversal after a short course of dexamethasone treatment
Type		članek
Source		Arthritis Rheum
Vol. and No.		Letnik 50, št. 7
Publication year		2004
Volume		str. 2223-6
Language		eng
Abstract		Isolated congenital heart block is almost invariably associated with the presence of antibodies to SSA/Ro and SSB/La antigens in the maternal circulation. Once established, third-degree congenital heart block is permanent. However, a Iesser degree of autoantibody-associated heart block in a fetus can be reversed if it is recognized and treated early enongh with fluorinated glucucorticosteroids. The only method available clinically for the recognition of first-degree heart block in a fetus is measurement of the mechanical PR interval by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. This is the first report of a fetus in whom a diagnosis of first-degree heart block and the consequent decision to intervene were based solely on this technique. In addition, the first-degree heart block resolved completely after only 2 weeks of dexamethasone treatment, and the heart rhythm remained stable throughout the remainder of the pregnancy despite early discontinuation of therapy due to oligohydramnios.
Descriptors		FETAL HEART HEART BLOCK PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, DOPPLER DEXAMETHASONE PREGNANCY ADULT AUTOANTIBODIES LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, SYSTEMIC