EP on EP Episode 78: Congenital Heart Block with Charles Berul, MD-EP on EP Episode 78: Congenital Heart Block with Charles Berul, MD

EP on EP Episode 78: Congenital Heart Block with Charles Berul, MD

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video segment, Dr. Charles Barreau and Eric Pistowski discuss congenital heart block. Congenital heart block is typically diagnosed during pregnancy when the fetus has a low heart rate. The most common cause is maternal lupus, where the lupus antibody attacks the AV node in utero. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications and early neonatal pacing. If the heart rate is low, a pacemaker may be necessary. Currently, there is no pacemaker specifically designed for infants, but efforts are being made to develop a more miniaturized pacemaker. In adult patients with congenital heart block, pacemaker placement is not always necessary if the heart rate is stable and symptoms are absent.

Keywords

congenital heart block

pregnancy

low heart rate

maternal lupus

pacemaker