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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
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Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
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Congenital Heart Block.
Erick Jimenez1, Matthew Ambrose1, Bradley Clark1
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota - Masonic Children's Hospital, 2450 Riverside Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
Clinics in Perinatology
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Congenital heart block (CHB) is a rare fetal condition affecting the heart's electrical system. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care, including new therapies, improve outcomes for affected pregnancies and neonates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Pediatric Electrophysiology
Background:
- Congenital heart block (CHB) is a rare fetal arrhythmia caused by conduction system disruptions.
- Often associated with maternal autoantibodies (e.g., anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB) or congenital heart defects.
- Leads to significant fetal morbidity and mortality if untreated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of congenital heart block (CHB).
- To examine current diagnostic strategies and emerging therapeutic interventions.
- To highlight the importance of multidisciplinary management for improved fetal and neonatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on CHB pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
- Emphasis on advances in fetal echocardiography for early detection.
- Discussion of pharmacological (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, IVIG) and interventional (pacemaker implantation) strategies.
Main Results:
- Fetal echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing CHB and assessing cardiac function.
- Maternal hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis shows promise in preventing CHB development or progression.
- Multimodal therapies, including corticosteroids and IVIG, offer options for refractory cases.
- Pacemaker implantation is a viable option for symptomatic neonates.
Conclusions:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of CHB is critical for timely intervention.
- A multidisciplinary approach involving maternal-fetal medicine specialists, pediatric cardiologists, and electrophysiologists is essential.
- Advances in prenatal and postnatal management offer improved prognoses for CHB-affected infants.
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