Electrophysiological characteristics of fetal atrioventricular block

Objectives The purpose of our work was to define the complex electrophysiological characteristics seen in second- (2 degrees) and third-degree (3 degrees) atrioventricular block (AVB) and to longitudinally follow the development of atrial and ventricular heart rate and rhythm patterns with a goal of identifying heart rate and rhythm patterns associated with urgent delivery or neonatal pacing. Background The electrophysiological characteristics of congenital AVB before birth have not been extensively studied, yet the mortality from this disease is substantial. Along with advances in fetal therapies and interventions, a comprehensive natural history specific to the etiology of AVB, as well as the electrophysiological factors influencing outcome, are needed to best select treatment options. Methods Twenty-eight fetuses with AVB were evaluated by fetal magnetocardiography; 21 fetuses were evaluated serially. Results Fetuses with 2 degrees AVB and isolated 3 degrees AVB showed: 1) diverse atrial rhythms and mechanisms of atrioventricular conduction during 2 degrees AVB; 2) junctional ectopic tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia during 3 degrees AVB; 3) reactive ventricular and atrial fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings at ventricular rates >56 beats/min; and 4) flat ventricular FHR tracings at ventricular rates <56 beats/min despite reactive atrial FHR tracings. In contrast, fetuses with 3 degrees AVB associated with structural cardiac disease exhibited predominantly nonreactive heart rate tracings and simpler rhythms. Conclusions Second-degree AVB, isolated 3 degrees AVB, and 3 degrees AVB associated with structural cardiac disease manifest distinctly different electrophysiological characteristics and outcome. Fetuses with 2 degrees AVB or isolated 3 degrees AVB commonly exhibited complex, changing heart rate and rhythm patterns; all 19 delivered fetuses are alive and healthy. Fetuses with structural cardiac disease and 3 degrees AVB exhibited largely monotonous heart rate and rhythm patterns and poor prognosis. Junctional ectopic tachycardia and/or ventricular tachycardia may be characteristic of an acute stage of heart block.