[Prenatal follow-up of fetal tachyarrhythmia]

A case of fetal supraventricular tachycardia complicated by atrial flutter was recognized in the 26th week of gestation and was successfully treated during pregnancy. Cardiotocography could not generate appreciable result at such a fetal tachyarrhythmia. The intrauterine condition was evaluated by the examination of the Doppler blood flow parameters of the fetal vessels. During follow up strong correlation was found between the blood flow parameters, transplacental therapy and the cardiac function. When repeated and long lasting supraventricular tachycardias were observed, due to the atrial flutter, signs of centralization of the fetal circulation could be monitored as a sign of deteriorating peripheral oxygenation. Parallel to the improvement of the arrhythmia and to the reduction of the supraventricular tachycardia a significant correction of the circulatory parameters could be detected. Based on these experiences, investigation of fetal blood flow parameters is a useful tool in monitoring the intrauterine state of the tachyarrhythmic fetus. It can be concluded that in cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal arrhythmias further pre- and perinatal care should be done in appropriate equipped centers.