Atrial fibrillation with pregnancy: A prospective controlled study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt

2 Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with numerous morbidities and mortalities. Pregnant women are at higher risk to develop AF.
Objective: This study aims at investigating the maternal and fetal complications in women who developed AF during pregnancy compared to a control group.
Patients and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 2 groups; women with AF and women without AF. The included women were recruited from Beni-Suef University Hospital and Beni-Suef General Hospital after obtaining their informed consents. The maternal and fetal complications have been reported and compared between both groups.
Results: The rates of placental complications, vaginal hematoma, congenital anomalies and the need for neonatal ICU were relatively higher amongst women with AF than those without AF but no statistically significant differences have been noticed (p>0.05). Rupture uterus, abortion and post-partum hemorrhage were statistically higher amongst women with AF in comparison to women without AF; 37.5% versus 2.6%, 50% versus 17.4%, and 37.5% versus 5.3%, respectively (p<0.05). Warfarin, Metoprolol and Digoxin were the most commonly reported medications amongst women with AF. The prescribed medications did not affect the likelihood of maternal or fetal complications (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Women who develop AF during pregnancy are more likely to develop maternal complications.

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