Difficult calls in cardiology : Be ready for DC cardioversion during pregnancy !

This report from Taiwan  reassures there is no adverse effect by measuring umbilical artery flow (Yu-Chi Wang European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 126 (2006) 268–274)While we consider DC shock during pregnancy is safe for the fetus, still, shock pads close to the abdomen, amniotic fluid being a good conductor of electricity at least one mother showed a sustained contraction of the uterus and fetal distress. This was possibly attributable to DC shock  Eleanor J. Barnes BJOG 2003 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1471-0528.2002.02113. Final message Most cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy are carefully managed by non-electrical means. Of course, emergencies can’t afford to wait. Though two lives are at stake, it’s the mother’s heart that prevails over in drug selection and risk estimation. After all, it is her loving heart, that keeps the fetus alive.I have seen Obstetrician anxiety (which spills over to attending cardiologist too!) can be extreme in such situations. I must admit, Obstetricians, are truly sincere warriors fighting at odd hours to protect the two delicate lives. After all, taking  responsibility brings the anxiety. Cardiologists must understand this and help them out in their difficult times.(without any super specialty ego !) ReferenceCrijns HJ. Electrical cardioversion in healthy pregnant women: safe yes, but needed?. Neth Heart J. 2011;19(3):105‐106. doi:10.1007/s12471-011-0079-3   2.Finlay AY, ...
Source: Dr.S.Venkatesan MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: cardiology women Pregnancy and heart Uncategorized amiodarone verapamil in pregnancy avnrt avrt during pregnancy cardioversion during pregnancy dc shock during pregnancy fetal distress during dc shock peripartum cardiomyopathy vt vpd managem Source Type: blogs