Fetal Bradycardia Caused by Monogenic Disorders—A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: The standard obstetric definition of fetal bradycardia is a sustained fetal heart rate Methods: A literature review was conducted using a PubMed- and OMIM-based search for monogenetic disorders causing fetal bradycardia in September 2022. Results: The review on the literature identified nine monogenic diseases that could lead to fetal bradycardia. Four of these disorders can be associated with extracardiac findings. Discussion: Genetic testing should be considered in cases with fetal bradycardia, especially in cases of additional extracardiac findings. Broad sequencing techniques and improved prenatal phenotyping could help to establish a diagnosis in an increasing number of cases.

Keywords

• fetal
• bradycardia
• arrhythmia
• genetics