Sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern during chemotherapy in a pregnant woman with acute myelogenous leukemia
Hsu, K.F.; Chang, C.H.; Chou, C.Y.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 94(9): 562-565
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0929-6646 PMID: 8696171 Document Number: 441031
A 22-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of severe anemia in the 20th week of gestation. Acute myelogenous leukemia was diagnosed and she was treated with multiple-agent chemotherapy in the second and third trimesters. Although the patient tolerated the intensive treatment, an intermittent sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern was detected during chemotherapy. Complete remission was achieved at the 35th week of gestation. An under-weight baby boy, suffering from pancytopenia, was delivered by cesarean section at 36 weeks' gestation. The baby recovered well and had adequate growth. No abnormalities where found at examination two months after birth. The fetal sinusoidal heart rate pattern may have been induced by severe anemia due to myelosuppression caused by the transplacental receipt of chemotherapeutic agents.