LONG-TERM RESULTS OF PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL COMPLETE ATRIOVENTRICULAR-BLOCK

Congenital complete atrioventricular block is an uncommon disorder wit h a prognosis which is usually favorable. The disorder is sometimes as sociated with syncops, sudden death or cardiac pacing. It is difficult to determine the patients at risk of sudden death. In this retrospect ive study, hospital records of children who had been admitted to the H acettepe University Children's Hospital between 1970-1990 for evaluati on of complete heart block were examined. The study population, consis ting of 39 children, 27 males and 12 females, had electrocardiograms c onsistent with complete heart block. These patients, diagnosed as havi ng congenital complete A-V block, had an otherwise normally structured heart, and were followed up for a period of from one month to 15 year s. Age at diagnosis ranged from 27 days to 17 years (mean: 86.9 +/- 48 months). Of the 14 patients with symptoms (five with syncope, eight w ith exercise intolerance and one with presyncope), nine were paced ele ctively and have done well. Clinical and laboratory features of the as ymptomatic and symptomatic groups were compared to evaluate potential risk factors.