Electro-stimulation in preterm neonates with congenital auriculo-ventricular block. Report of three cases.

UNLABELLED: Congenital auriculo-ventricular blocks (CAVB) are usually linked to maternal auto-immune diseases and their management remains controversial. We report three cases of CAVB in preterm newborns managed using electro-stimulation with an external, followed by an internal pacemaker. Results and long-term follow-up were satisfactory in all three children. CONCLUSION: the transitory placement of an external pacemaker seems necessary in low birth weight infants in order to allow weight gain and therefore the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. The prognosis seems good but a regular echocardiographic surveillance is of great importance in order to detect the onset of cardiac failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy.