Fetal Supraventricular Tachycardia with Hydrops and 1:1 Atrioventricular Block in a Pregnant Patient with a Sinus Arrhythmia

Abstract

respiratory distress in pregnancy. Nonetheless, we seem to be encountering this problem more frequently. The association of pyelonephritis and respiratory distress in pregnancy was first described in 1984. Pyelonephritis alone is estimated to occur in 1 to 2% of all pregnancies. Some studies suggest that one out of every 50 women admitted for pyelonephritis will develop some respiratory distress. Unfortunately, the etiology for the mechanism of the syndrome remains unknown. Respiratory distress in pregnancy is associated with a high rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is fortunate that this patient had access to an institution where she could have maternal fetal medicine and pulmonology consults. Her management prevented artificial ventilation, which would have increased her statistical risk. Providing care for this patient and others like her has increased our awareness of the possible consequences of urinary tract infections in pregnancy.