Importance of Fetal Arrhythmias to the Neonatologist and Pediatrician

Sudden, unexplained death during the perinatal period remains a major, longstanding challenge. Recent advances in diagnostic techniques and genetic testing has provided evidence that a significant fraction of these deaths may result from lethal cardiac arrhythmias. In this paper, we review current methods of diagnosing arrhythmia in the fetus and strategies for management of life-threatening arrhythmia throughout the perinatal period, including transitional care at the time of delivery.