Persistent fetal bradycardia is rarely encountered during pregnancy. When it is associated
with a complete atrio-ventricular (A-V) block, it may prove dangerous to the fetus
or newborn. The prenatal diagnosis is vital because it necessitates close follow-up
during pregnancy to detect fetal compromise and proper preparation for delivery. We
describe a woman who was found to be suffering from systemic lupus ery-thematosus
during pregnancy. The fetus was diagnosed as having persistent fetal bradycardia due
to complete A-V block at 28 weeks of gestation and was delivered at term with conservative
management. The problems entailed in managing pregnancy and delivery of such fetuses
are discussed.
Fetal bradycardia - intrapartum - fetal A-V block - SLE
