RATE-BASED MANAGEMENT OF FETAL SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

We reviewed the ultrasonographic studies and the clinical course of 22 fetuses with supraventricular tachycardia to determine whether the he art rate alone could serve as a basis for conservative management. Hyd rops was not encountered with heart rates under 230 beats per minute. The conditions of all 22 fetuses stabilized without invasive administr ation of medications. Eighteen were delivered vaginally and only four by cesarean section. No fetal or neonatal losses occurred. Regardless of the type of supraventricular tachycardia, reducing heart rate in th ese fetuses to levels preventing or resolving hydrops allowed term vag inal delivery, thereby reducing the substantial problems of ventilatin g an immature or hydropic neonate.