Temporary Transcutaneous Pacing in a Low Birth Weight Preterm Neonate with Congenital Complete Atrioventricular Block: A Case Report

Abstract

Congenital complete atrioventricular (AV) block is a rare neonatal disease. It is a passively acquired immune-mediated injury of the conduction system, triggered by transplacental passage of maternal anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies. Management of premature infants with symptomatic complete AV block is challenging. If medical treatment with a β-adrenergic agonist and inotropic drugs is not effective, early cardiac pacing should be considered. Here we report a case of congenital complete AV block in a low birth weight, preterm neonate, who was successfully treated with temporary transcutaneous pacing immediately after birth. Temporary transcutaneous pacing may be an option for the emergent management of a low birth weight preterm neonate with congenital complete AV block prior to permanent pacemaker implantation.