In utero treatment of fetal tachycardias with a digitalis-beta blocker combination. Apropos of 2 cases
Auzelle, M.P.; Mensire, A.; Lachassine, E.; Caldera, R.; Boccara, J.F.; Chavinie, J.; Badoual, J.
Journal de Gynecologie Obstetrique et Biologie de la Reproduction 16(3): 383-391
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-2315 PMID: 3598102 Document Number: 305355
The authors report two cases of fetal tachycardia treated in utero by digitalis (Digoxin) and a beta-blocker (Sotalol). The first case did well on treatment but the second case gave rise to difficulties in treatment both before and after delivery. A study of the literature and an analysis of our findings makes it possible for us to point out the following: echotomography is valuable in screening for fetal cardiac rhythm troubles and echocardiography is useful to work out the cause and to follow the progress of the case, this condition can be treated in utero and Sotalol, a beta-blocker, is valuable in overcoming the troubles of the rhythm, it is difficult to follow up the treatment by relying on maternal blood levels of the drugs used, finally the cause of the abnormal rhythm possibly alters the expectation of success from the treatment.