Beta-adrenergic blockers in pregnancy

Supraventricular Tachycardia in Pregnancy: Gestational and Labor Differences in Treatment

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a tachyarrhythmia characterized by a heart rate above 120 beats per minute (BPM). Patients with SVT exhibit the following symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, hemodynamic instability, or possibly asymptomatic. The increase in cardiac output and the increase in resting heart rate during pregnancy predispose pregnant women to SVT. The management of SVT in pregnancy, although remarkably similar, varies slightly based on the trimester of pregnancy. Atenolol and verapamil are effective methods of treating SVT, which can be used during the second and third trimesters. Both medications are contraindicated in the first trimester. At the same time, intravenous adenosine can be used in all three trimesters, including labor. Electrical cardioversion is an effective treatment method for hemodynamically unstable or drug-refractory patients, which has proven to be safe in all three trimesters, including labor but can result in pre-term labor in the third trimester. Non-fluoroscopic ablation proved to be the only treatment method that definitively resolved SVT without recurrence.

Incidence of atrial fibrillation in pregnancy and clinical significance: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the incidence and maternal/fetal outcomes of AF in pregnancy remain unclear. This study's aims were to investigate the pooled incidence of AF in pregnant women and to assess maternal/fetal outcomes of AF in pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search for studies that reported incidence of AF in pregnancy, was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database from inception through May 2018. Pooled incidence with 95%CI were calculated using a random-effect model. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42018095955).

RESULTS

We identified 7 cohort studies including 301,638 pregnancies. The pooled estimated incidence of AF in pregnancy among women with no known heart disease, and those with structural heart disease was 0.3% (95%CI: 0.01%-40.6%) and 2.2% (95%CI: 0.96%-5.01%), respectively. Among women with known AF, the pooled estimated incidence of recurrent AF in pregnancy was 39.2% (95%CI: 16.9%-67.2%). The pooled estimated incidence of pre-eclampsia and congestive heart failure among pregnant patients with AF was 4.1% (95%CI: 2.1%-7.8%) and 9.6% (95%CI: 5.7%-15.9%), respectively. The pooled estimated incidence of fetal events including premature birth, small for gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, death was 26.6% (95%CI: 20.4%-34.0%).

CONCLUSION

The overall estimated incidence of AF and recurrent AF during pregnancy is as high as 2.2% and 39.2%, respectively. AF during pregnancy may result in poor maternal and fetal outcomes.

Executive Summary: European Heart Rhythm Association Consensus Document on the Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias: Endorsed by Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulación Cardiaca y Electrofisiologia (SOLAECE)

This paper is an executive summary of the full European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document on the management of supraventricular arrhythmias, published in Europace. It summarises developments in the field and provides recommendations for patient management, with particular emphasis on new advances since the previous European Society of Cardiology guidelines. The EHRA consensus document is available to read in full at http://europace.oxfordjournals.org.

Use and impact of cardiac medication during pregnancy

ABSTRACT 

Cardiovascular disease is the most encountered cause of maternal death during pregnancy in the western world and an increase in maternal mortality due to cardiac causes has been observed. More women with congenital or acquired heart disease have the desire to become pregnant. Pregnancy is known to impose a major hemodynamic burden and also has impacts on the coagulation system. The risk of developing complications is clearly increased as compared with the normal population. For optimal management, it is crucial to have information on the effects of cardiac medications on the fetus. The focus of this article is to discuss the management of cardiac disease in pregnancy, as well as the known safety of cardiac medications for the mother and/or fetus.

Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section in a primigravida woman with Ebstein's anomaly with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia

Ebstein's anomaly is an uncommon congenital heart defect with an extremely variable natural history due to a wide spectrum of pathological features. We report on the anesthetic management of a 24-year-old primigravida woman with Ebstein's anomaly with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia for emergency cesarean section.

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations that are characteristic of hyperthyroidism must be distinguished from physiological changes in thyroid hormone economy that occur in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Approximately one to two cases of gestational hyperthyroidism occur per 1000 pregnancies. Identification of hyperthyroidism in a pregnant woman is important because adverse outcomes can occur in both the mother and the offspring. Graves' disease, which is autoimmune in nature, is the usual cause; but hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can be caused by any type of hyperthyroidism--eg, toxic multinodular goitre or solitary autonomously functioning nodule. Gestational transient thyrotoxicosis is typically reported in women with hyperemesis gravidarum, and is mediated by high circulating concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin. Post-partum thyroiditis occurs in 5-10% of women, and many of those affected ultimately develop permanent hypothyroidism. Antithyroid drug treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnant women is controversial because the usual drugs--methimazole or carbimazole--are occasionally teratogenic; and the alternative--propylthiouracil--can be hepatotoxic. Fetal hyperthyroidism can be life-threatening, and needs to be recognised as soon as possible so that treatment of the fetus with antithyroid drugs via the mother can be initiated. In this Review, we discuss physiological and pathophysiological changes in thyroid hormone economy in pregnancy, the diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, severe life-threatening thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy, neonatal thyrotoxicosis, and post-partum hyperthyroidism.

Systematic review of pregnancy in women with inherited cardiomyopathies

Pregnancy exposes women with inherited cardiomyopathies to increased risk for heart failure and arrhythmias. In this paper, we review the clinical course and management of pregnant women with the following inherited cardiomyopathies: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. We also discuss peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pregnancy is generally well tolerated in asymptomatic patients with inherited cardiomyopathies. However, worsening of the clinical condition can occur during pregnancy, despite intensive medical treatment. If prior cardiac events, poor functional class (New York Heart Association class III or IV), or advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction are present, the risk of maternal cardiac complications during pregnancy are markedly increased. The postpartum condition is generally no worse than the antepartum condition, but no long-term follow-up studies have been reported. Preconception evaluation and counselling are important aspects of managing women with inherited cardiomyopathies. Genetic counselling and DNA testing should be offered to all women following the diagnosis of an inherited cardiomyopathy.

[Management of cardiac arrhythmias during pregnancy]

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy can precipitate or exacerbate cardiac arrhythmias. Management of those arrhythmias is not very different from that in non-pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE

In this review we tried to specify factors which favour arrhythmias in pregnant women and to show their specific management.

METHODS

We carried out a search through PubMed using as keywords: pregnancy, cardiac arrhythmias, antiarrhythmics.

RESULTS

Hemodynamic perturbations, direct electrophysiological effects of hormones and underlying heart disease are potential factors that can promote arrhythmias in pregnancy. Usually, no drug therapy is needed for the management of supraventricular or ventricular premature beats but potential promoting factors should be eliminated. In paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, vagal maneuvers should be tried firstly. Adenosine could be used if vagal maneuvers are ineffective. In pregnant women with atrial fibrillation, the goal of treatment is the conversion to sinus rhythm or the control of ventricular rate. Ventricular arrhythmias are usually uncommon during pregnancy and often occur in the absence of structural heart disease and are responsive to drug therapy. Symptomatic bradycardia rarely complicates pregnancy and its management does not differ from that in non-pregnant women.

Ocular disease in pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pregnancy may cause ocular changes, both physiologic and pathologic, and may be associated with the development of new disease or may alter the course of preexisting disease. This paper discusses these changes and reviews diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, preeclampsia, cortical blindness and central serous chorioretinopathy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent reports have contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy and cortical blindness associated with preeclampsia, the impact of pregnancy on the course of inflammatory eye disease, and the use of optical coherence tomography in following central serous chorioretinopathy in pregnant women.

SUMMARY

This improved understanding of the pathophysiology of ocular disease in pregnancy and the impact of pregnancy on the course of preexisting ocular disease offers the opportunity for meaningful counseling of women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Exposition aux bêtabloquants en fin de grossesse

OBJECTIVES

To analyse neonatal effects after in utero betablockers exposure and the pertinence of recommendations delivered by our team.

POPULATION AND METHODS

We report 44 pregnancies exposed to betablockers during the late pregnancy including the period of delivery about which the Regional Pharmacovigilance Center of Tours (CRPV) was questionned.

RESULTS

Among the 39 children for whom we know the follow up, 22 had neonatal adverse effects of which 19 could be explained by in utero exposure to betablockers i.e. an hypoglycaemia (11 times), a bradycardia (six times), a bradycardia and hypoglycemia (one time) and an hypotension (one time). A drug-related effect was retained for eleven newborns (27%) and another etiology could be evoked in the eight others. The risk of neonatal adverse effects seems to increase in newborns exposed to labetalol (5/11), to betaxolol (1/2) or to propranolol (2/6) or when the dose is high. The eight newborns who had intrauterine growth retardation were generally more often exposed to atenolol than eutrophic newborns. Four babies had malformations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our recommendation was an hospitalization 44 times (100%) to monitor heart rate, blood pressure and glycemia. When the follow-up is known, hospitalization was performed in 88% of the cases. Glycemia, heart rate and blood pressure were monitored in all the hospitalized children and in three of the five not hospitalized children. Our recommendation seems particularly justified with regard to hypoglycemia which is often asymptomatic but whose consequences can be severe. Atenolol often provider of intrauterine growth retardation and labetalol more often at the origin of neonatal adverse effects are probably to avoid during pregnancy.

Supraventricular tachycardia in pregnancy

We present four cases of supraventricular tachycardia in pregnancy of varied aetiology. Risk factors for the development of supraventricular tachycardia and options for obstetric anaesthetic management, during pregnancy, labour, and at Caesarean section are discussed. We recommend the use of adenosine as first line therapy.

Drug treatment of fetal tachycardias

The pharmacological treatment of fetal tachycardia (FT) has been described in various publications. We present a study reviewing the necessity for treatment of FT, the regimens of drugs used in the last two decades and their mode of administration. The absence of reliable predictors of fetal hydrops (FH) has led most centers to initiate treatment as soon as the diagnosis of FT has been established, although a small minority advocate nonintervention. As the primary form of pharmacological intervention, oral maternal transplacental therapy is generally preferred. Digoxin is the most common drug used to treat FT; however, effectiveness remains a point of discussion. After digoxin, sotalol seems to be the most promising agent, specifically in atrial flutter and nonhydropic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Flecainide is a very effective drug in the treatment of fetal SVT, although concerns about possible pro-arrhythmic effects have limited its use. Amiodarone has been described favorably, but is frequently excluded due to its poor tolerability. Verapamil is contraindicated as it may increase mortality. Conclusions on other less frequently used drugs cannot be drawn. In severely hydropic fetuses and/or therapy-resistant FT, direct fetal therapy is sometimes initiated. To minimize the number of invasive procedures, fetal intramuscular or intraperitoneal injections that provide a more sustained release are preferred. Based on these data we propose a drug protocol of sotalol 160 mg twice daily orally, increased to a maximum of 480 mg daily. Whenever sinus rhythm is not achieved, the addition of digoxin 0.25 mg three times daily is recommended, increased to a maximum of 0.5 mg three times daily. Only in SVT complicated by FH, either maternal digoxin 1 to 2mg IV in 24 hours, and subsequently 0.5 to 1 mg/day IV, or flecainide 200 to 400 mg/day orally is proposed. Initiating direct fetal therapy may follow failure of transplacental therapy.

Haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension: effect of intravenous esmolol with or without lidocaine

The pressor response is known to be exaggerated in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can result in increased morbidity and mortality in both mother and newborn. Various pharmacological agents have been used before induction in an attempt to attenuate the adrenergic response but with varying degree of success. Esmolol, an ultra short-acting cardioselective beta-blocker with rapid onset and short elimination half-life, is an attractive choice for attenuating the adrenergic response in pregnant patients. In a prospective, randomised double blind study we evaluated the efficacy of two bolus doses of esmolol with or without lidocaine, in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Eighty such patients undergoing lower segmental caesarean section were randomly divided into four groups and received the following study drugs before intubation: group I, esmolol 1 mg.kg(-1); group II, esmolol 2 mg.kg(-1); group III, esmolol 1 mg.kg(-1) and lidocaine 1.5 mg.kg(-1); and group IV, esmolol 2 mg.kg(-1) and lidocaine 1.5 mg.kg(-1). In groups II, III and IV, the changes in maternal heart rate, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in response to laryngoscopy and intubation were attenuated to a comparable degree (P > 0.05). No adverse effects were noticed in mother or baby. We conclude that esmolol 1 mg.kg(-1) with lidocaine 1.5 mg.kg(-1) is effective in attenuating the adrenergic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Antiarrhythmic drugs in pregnancy

During pregnancy a number of rhythm disturbances can occur in both the mother and fetus; these may range from benign ectopy to life-threatening arrhythmias. With a clear understanding of the maternal hemodynamic changes associated with pregnancy, and the appropriate antiarrhythmic therapies available, almost all such cases can be treated successfully. Although no drug is completely safe, most are well tolerated and can be given with relatively low risk. Drug therapy should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy if possible and drugs with the longest record of safety should be used as first-line therapy. Conservative therapies should be used when appropriate. Several drug options exist for most maternal and fetal arrhythmias.

Endocrine causes of hypertension in pregnancy--when to start looking for zebras

Hypertension is a common medical disorder in pregnancy that may predate or first appear in pregnancy. Endocrine disorders rarely are the cause of the elevated blood pressure. However, it is essential to have a high index of suspicion because they carry much higher fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality risks. Endocrine disorders presenting as hypertension are primarily the result of autonomous production of renin, aldosterone, cortisol, or catecholamines. This report discusses the physiological changes in pregnancy, presentation, investigation, and management of these disorders.

Influence of pregnancy on the risk for cardiac events in patients with hereditary long QT syndrome. LQTS Investigators

BACKGROUND

The effects of pregnancy on women with the hereditary long QT syndrome are currently unknown. The appropriate medical management of pregnant patients with the long QT syndrome has not been established.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study was a retrospective analysis of the 422 women (111 probands affected with the long QT syndrome and 311 first-degree relatives) enrolled in the long QT syndrome registry who had one or more pregnancies. The first-degree relatives were classified as affected (QTc >0.47), borderline (QTc=0.45 to 0.47), and unaffected (QTc <0.45). Cardiac events were defined as the combined incidence of long QT syndrome-related death, aborted cardiac arrest, and syncope. The incidence of cardiac events was compared during equal prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum intervals (40 weeks each). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed by use of a mixed-effects model to identify independent predictors of cardiac events among probands. The pregnancy and postpartum intervals were not associated with cardiac events among first-degree relatives. The postpartum interval was independently associated with cardiac events among probands (odds ratio [OR], 40.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1 to 540; P=.01); the pregnancy interval was not associated with cardiac events. Treatment with beta-adrenergic blockers was independently associated with a decrease in the risk for cardiac events among probands (OR, 0.023; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.44; P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The postpartum interval is associated with a significant increase in risk for cardiac events among probands with the long QT syndrome but not among first-degree relatives. Prophylactic treatment with beta-adrenergic blockers should be continued during the pregnancy and postpartum intervals in probands with the long QT syndrome.

[Arrhythmias and pregnancy]

Although arrhythmias are one of the most frequent consultations during pregnancy, fortunately the majority are benign. Usually, they are well tolerated assuming they occur in patients with structurally normal hearts. However, pregnancy adds a new aspect to the so called "arrhythmia tolerance", because arrhythmia and therapy may jeopardize the fetus. For acute treatment of narrow and wide tachycardias, with few exceptions, antiarrhythmic medications appear to be safe. In addition to the relative security of drugs such as adenosine, digoxin, propranolol, procainamide and flecainide, we could use direct current countershock with no evidence of significant complications. Because no drug is absolutely safe, chronic pharmacologic therapy is best avoided during pregnancy. Finally, radiofrequency ablation could be recommended as an alternative in women with previous tachycardias who would like to become pregnant.

Treatment of arrhythmias during pregnancy

The treatment of arrhythmias during pregnancy is complicated by concerns for fetal well-being. Although no drug is absolutely safe, most are well tolerated. Nonpharmacologic therapy includes vagal maneuvers and esophageal pacing. Temporary and permanent pacing have been used safely during pregnancy, as has direct current cardioversion. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is complicated by concerns for the fetus, which may be viable at 25 weeks. Diagnosis of the cause of tachyarrhythmias may be enhanced by roving chest leads or esophageal recording. Both supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias may become manifest during pregnancy, and conservative management is desirable if the symptoms are mild. Supraventricular tachycardias respond acutely to adenosine. Ventricular arrhythmias during pregnancy often occur in the absence of structural heart disease and are responsive to drug therapy. The safe use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator has been described.

Labetalol in hypertension during the third trimester of pregnancy: its antihypertensive effect and pharmacokinetic-dynamic analysis

The hypotensive effect, kinetics, and concentration-response relationship of labetalol, alpha beta- and alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking drug, were studied in seven women with a moderate-to-severe hypertension (averaged diastolic blood pressure [DBP] of 100 to 120 mm Hg measured during a 1- to 2-day hospitalization period) during the third trimester of pregnancy who received the oral twice-daily doses of 150 to 450 mg. These dosages were individually selected by attaining a therapeutic goal of DBP < or = 100 mm Hg or systolic blood pressure (SBP)/DBP reduction of > 30/15 mm Hg, as compared with the pretreatment value, at any time during the 12-hour dosing interval for a 3- to 5-day dosage escalation period. Labetalol concentrations in plasma were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, and the plasma drug concentration-response relationship was analyzed by a sigmoidal Emax model. Labetalol decreased significantly (P < 0.05 to 0.01) the pretreatment SBP/DBP (166.3 +/- 5.2/110.3 +/- 3.0 mm Hg, mean +/- SEM) without any recognizable side-effects during the twice-daily dosing period in the mothers. Peaked concentrations occurred at 1 hour postdose in all patients. The elimination half-lives ranged from 4.3 to 6.9 hours, and the apparent oral clearance from 31.9 to 73.3 mL/min/kg. The pharmacodynamic parameters (Emax and EC50) analyzed by the Emax model revealed a 3- to 5-fold interindividual variability. The gestational ages at delivery ranged from 34 to 37 weeks, and the birth weights were < 2000 g in 6 of the 7 neonates. Four neonates developed respiratory distress syndrome after delivery, and one infant died of pulmonary hypoplasia 3 months later. The results indicate that 1) labetalol orally administered in a twice-daily regimen as done in this study is an effective antihypertensive drug in women with hypertension during late pregnancy, and 2) interindividual variability in the kinetic factor (e.g., oral clearance) as well as that in the pharmacodynamic factor (e.g., EC50) appear to be related to the overall variability in the hypotensive responsiveness to the drug. However, whether labetalol and/or hypertension per se would have been related to the fetal outcome remains unanswered from the present study.

Adenosine use in pregnancy: lack of effect on fetal heart rate

The treatment for supraventricular tachycardia in pregnancy is somewhat controversial. Although a variety of medications have been used to terminate this rhythm during pregnancy, all have actual or theoretical drawbacks. Adenosine is a relatively new medication with an extremely short half-life and is effective in the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. We report a case in which this medication was used successfully during pregnancy. In addition, we found that adenosine had no effect on fetal heart rate in this case.

Anesthesia, cardiopulmonary bypass, and the pregnant patient

For the perioperative management of pregnant patients with severe cardiac or aortic disease who require a cardiac surgical procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass, a close, cohesive, working relationship must exist among several medical and surgical specialties. For appropriate management, the well-being of both the mother and the fetus must be considered. The best interests of the mother and the fetus may not coincide, and optimal therapy for one may be inappropriate for the other. We present 10 cases of severe cardiac or aortic disease in pregnant women who required surgical intervention. Eight patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy, and two patients had cesarean section performed immediately before cardiopulmonary bypass. We also discuss the pertinent pharmacologic aspects related to the perioperative period and the management of cardiopulmonary bypass for the pregnant patient.

Response to beta-blockers in maternal and fetal rat hearts in vitro

The effects of beta-blockers on maternal and fetal heart rates have been assessed by comparing isoprenaline concentration-heart rate relationships of hearts isolated from pregnant rats. The normal and maximal heart rates obtained for the maternal and fetal hearts were similar to published data. A slightly but significantly higher concentration of isoprenaline was required to produce 50% of the maximal response of fetal hearts than maternal hearts, suggesting that fetal hearts were less sensitive to isoprenaline than the maternal hearts. The beta-blockers used (propranolol, labetalol, metoprolol and atenolol) all showed a lower affinity to the beta-receptors of fetal hearts than those of maternal hearts, as indicated by significant differences in the pA2 values. Given the similar effects of the beta-blockers in the maternal and fetal hearts it is concluded that pharmacokinetic considerations and beta-blocker selectivity should be used as the basis of choice when treating maternal hypertension during pregnancy.

Managing the pregnant patient with heart disease

Pregnancy and its associated hemodynamic challenge presents potential risks to the patient with cardiac disease, whether acquired or congenital. The hematologic changes which occur during pregnancy include alterations in blood volume, hematocrit, and blood viscosity. There are also alterations in cardiac output and regional blood flow patterns. These hemodynamic alterations are associated with signs and symptoms which can be impressive yet benign, or can suggest poor outcome, depending on the underlying cardiovascular disorder. The clinician is faced with the sometimes difficult task of differentiating the benign from the dangerous while making appropriate management decisions. In this article, diagnosis and current management of many of the more common acquired and congenital cardiac abnormalities are discussed as they pertain to the gravid female. The effects of common cardiovascular medications in pregnancy are also briefly reviewed.

Placental transfer and perinatal pharmacokinetics of betaxolol

Betaxolol levels in blood were monitored in the perinatal period in 28 pregnant hypertensive women and in their babies. In the mothers betaxolol concentrations at delivery ranged from less than 1 to 115 ng.ml-1 after doses of 10 to 40 mg.day-1. The apparent blood half-life was 15.6 to 22.1 h mean (19 h). Umbilical cord levels indicated a rapid equilibrium between fetal and maternal units (ratio 0.93) within few hours after dosing. Milk betaxolol concentrations, measured in few cases, exceeded those in blood by a factor of 3. Amniotic fluid concentrations were similar to those observed in maternal venous blood and umbilical cord blood. In neonates, the blood betaxolol half-life ranged from 14.8 to 38.5 h, with a definite trend towards a negative correlation with gestational age. A 11-61% rise in the betaxolol concentration was observed in 64% of the neonates during the first 12 h of extrauterine life. The data indicate that betaxolol kinetics is not altered in pregnant women and they stress the need for careful and prolonged (72-96 h) intensive monitoring of neonates born to hypertensive mothers treated with beta-blocking agents.