Neurological outcome in isolated congenital heart block and hydrops fetalis.

OBJECTIVE

Isolated fetal heart block (HB), a condition associated with fetal hydrops, carries a high mortality rate and may result in neurodevelopmental sequelae. To the best of our knowledge, no data exist regarding the long-term outcome of such hydropic fetuses. We reviewed our experience with this condition to determine the neurodevelopmental outcome of prenatally diagnosed cases with isolated HB complicated by hydrops fetalis.

METHODS

Neurodevelopmental assessment of 5 children presented prenatally with isolated HB associated with hydrops fetalis.

RESULTS

During the last 18 years, 10 cases were detected prenatally with isolated HB and hydrops fetalis. 3 of the 10 fetuses died in utero, and 2 died postnatally, due to a dilated cardiomyopathy, at the age of 9 months and 4 years, respectively. Neurodevelopmental studies done on the 5 remaining children were normal.

CONCLUSION

Long-term neurodevelopmental assessments of 5 surviving cases presented prenatally with isolated HB and hydrops fetalis are reassuring.