Long-term Use of Verapamil for Control of Persistent Supraventricular Tachycardia

Sir.—Intrauterine supraventricular tachycardia is being identified more frequently by electronic monitoring.1In one study,2electrocardiography was used to evaluate 13 fetuses with nonimmune fetal hydrops. In another report, three infants developed hydrops due to supraventricular tachycardia.3This report documents the use of verapamil for the treatment and prevention of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Report of a Case.—A 21-year-old woman (gravida 2, para 1) in the 38th week of gestation was referred to the University of California, Irvine Medical Center by a nurse-midwife. According to the nurse-midwife's examination, the fetal heart rate was greater than 180 beats per minute. Because examination results found by the obstetrical service were normal, the woman was discharged. She returned in three days because she had noted a decrease in fetal activity. Ultrasonography revealed the fetus to have normal cardiac anatomy with a heart rate greater than 200 beats per minute.