Isolated Persistent Fetal Bradycardia in Complete A-V Block: A Conservative Approach is Appropriate. A Case Report and A Review of the Literature

Persistent fetal bradycardia is rarely encountered during pregnancy. When it is associated with a complete atrio-ventricular (A-V) block, it may prove dangerous to the fetus or newborn. The prenatal diagnosis is vital because it necessitates close follow-up during pregnancy to detect fetal compromise and proper preparation for delivery. We describe a woman who was found to be suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy. The fetus was diagnosed as having persistent fetal bradycardia due to complete A-V block at 28 weeks of gestation and was delivered at term with conservative management. The problems entailed in managing pregnancy and delivery of such fetuses are discussed.