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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:19
A Pipeline to Characterize Structural Heart Defects in the Fetal Mouse
Published on: December 16, 2022
Atrial flutter in a premature infant with a structurally normal heart
Emeka Obidi1, Paul Toubas, Jayendra Sharma
1Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Cardiology and Neonatology, The Children's Hospital at Downstate/SUNY, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
Summary
Neonatal atrial flutter (AF) is rare. This case highlights potential risks of central lines and certain antimicrobials in premature infants, suggesting they may contribute to arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Cardiology
- Pediatric Electrophysiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atrial flutter (AF) is uncommon in neonates, especially with structurally normal hearts.
- Premature infants often require central lines and broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
- Some antimicrobials carry pro-arrhythmic risks, with limited neonatal data.
Observation:
- A 1-month-old premature infant presented with atrial flutter and 2:1 block.
- The infant had a structurally normal heart.
- Potential contributing factors included an intra-cardiac catheter and antimicrobial use.
Findings:
- The case suggests a possible link between intra-cardiac devices and specific antimicrobial agents in causing neonatal AF.
- This highlights the need for vigilance regarding potential iatrogenic causes of arrhythmias in vulnerable newborns.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider iatrogenic causes, including central lines and antimicrobials, when managing neonatal arrhythmias.
- Further research is needed to understand the pro-arrhythmic effects of antimicrobials in neonates.
- This case underscores the importance of careful monitoring in premature infants receiving complex medical interventions.
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