Intrauterine treatment of fetal tachycardia.

The presence of sustained tachycardia in a fetus can result in congestive heart failure, hydrops, and eventual fetal death. With the increased use of advanced technology in routine obstetric practice, fetal tachycardias are being diagnosed with greater frequency. Recently, administration of antiarrhythmic medications to the mother has been successful in slowing the fetal heart rate and preventing or reversing potentially lethal complications in the fetus. The medications that have been used to treat fetal tachycardia and their potential effects on the mother are discussed. A case study and nursing protocol are presented.