Objective: Isolated fetal heart block (HB), a condition associated with fetal hydrops, carries a high mortality rate and may result in neurodevelopmental sequelae. To the best of our knowledge, no data exist regarding the long-term outcome of such hydropic fetuses. We reviewed our experience with this condition to determine the neurodevelopmental outcome of prenatally diagnosed cases with isolated HB complicated by hydrops fetalis.
Methods: Neurodevelopmental assessment of 5 children presented prenatally with isolated HB associated with hydrops fetalis.
Results: During the last 18 years, 10 cases were detected prenatally with isolated HB and hydrops fetalis. 3 of the 10 fetuses died in utero, and 2 died postnatally, due to a dilated cardiomyopathy, at the age of 9 months and 4 years, respectively. Neurodevelopmental studies done on the 5 remaining children were normal.
Conclusion: Long-term neurodevelopmental assessments of 5 surviving cases presented prenatally with isolated HB and hydrops fetalis are reassuring.
Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.