Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the significance of natriuretic peptide (NP) levels in fetal arrhythmia. Study design Cardiovascular profile (CVP) scores and umbilical vein (UV) NP levels at birth were compared by different fetal arrhythmia statuses. Results Fetal tachyarrhythmia (n = 22), bradyarrhythmia (n = 12), extrasystole (n = 12) and controls (n = 127) were enrolled in this study. Fetal antiarrhythmic therapy was performed in fetuses with tachyarrhythmia (n = 18) and bradyarrhythmia (n = 5). Fetal arrhythmias were divided into three groups: group A (arrhythmia controlled at birth, n = 17), Group B (arrhythmia uncontrolled at birth, n = 9) and Group C (fetal therapy not indicated, n = 20). Group B had significantly lower CVP scores and higher NP levels than the other two groups and controls (p < .01). Groups A and C had significantly lower CVP scores than controls, but NP levels in Groups A and C showed no differences compared with controls. Conclusions UV NP concentrations reflect the severity of fetal arrhythmia and responses to fetal therapy.
Published Version
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