Fetal and Neonatal Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias in fetuses and newborns are relatively common, occurring in up to 90% of newborns and in 1% to 3% of pregnancies. Although life-threatening arrhythmias are uncommon, practitioners should be aware of the more common disorders of rhythm and conduction that can affect fetuses and neonates. This article reviews the healthy newborn electrocardiogram (ECG) and discusses both benign and life-threatening disorders of cardiac rhythm in neonates, including premature atrial and ventricular contractions, atrioventricular block, congenital complete heart block, supraventricular tachycardias, ventricular tachycardias, and long QT syndrome. We also review the diagnosis and management of fetal arrhythmias.