Perinatal management of pregnancies with severe fetal heart defects and epigenetic aspects

To describe pregnancies with severe fetal heart defects (CHD) with respect to perinatal complications and management. To discuss epigenetic factors with respect to maternal body mass index (BMI) and assisted reproduction treatment (ART).

We performed a retrospective analysis in a single centre for prenatal diagnostics. Data were collected with respect to pre- and postnatal diagnoses of CHD, preterm labour and deliveries, maternal risk factors and postnatal outcome.

Between 2009 and 2011 we treated 116 patients with severe fetal heart defects. Prenatal diagnoses were: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) in 50 fetuses (43.1%), conotruncal heart defects (CTM) in 43 (37.1%), atrial ventricular septal defects in eight cases (7.8%).There were 11 (9.9%) twin pregnancies. Premature labour occurred in 11.2%, premature deliveries 12.9%. Nine pregnancies (7.8%) were achieved by assisted reproduction treatment (ART). A body mass index (BMI) > 25 occurred in 54.3% with 3% morbid obesity. Advanced maternal age >35 was found in 33.5%. Accuracy of the prenatal diagnosis was 97%.

Patients with ART pregnancies may be referred to fetal echocardiography. Maternal obesity poses a diagnostic problem, the incidence of CTM may be higher due to epigenetic factors. This requires further studies. As premature labour and delivery is a frequent complication, perinatal management of these pregnancies must be reserved to specialized centers.