Electro-stimulation in preterm neonates with congenital auriculo-ventricular block. Report of three cases.

UNLABELLED: Congenital auriculo-ventricular blocks (CAVB) are usually linked to maternal auto-immune diseases and their management remains controversial. We report three cases of CAVB in preterm newborns managed using electro-stimulation with an external, followed by an internal pacemaker. Results and long-term follow-up were satisfactory in all three children.

CONCLUSION

the transitory placement of an external pacemaker seems necessary in low birth weight infants in order to allow weight gain and therefore the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. The prognosis seems good but a regular echocardiographic surveillance is of great importance in order to detect the onset of cardiac failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy.