Fetal total atrioventricular block in transgender man with systemic lupus erythematosus – literature review and establishment of a protocol with management and treatment with terbutaline

This case report describes a case of total atrioventricular block (TAVB) with positive anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in a transgender man who began follow-up at 31 weeks and 3 days of gestation. Despite many disagreements regarding treatment, corticosteroids were recommended for this patient. The fetal ventricular rate at the second weekly visit was 50 bpm and terbulin was started to increase heart rate. Hospitalization and intravenous terbutaline for 3 days was chosen to better control maternal symptoms and monitor fetal vital signs, as well as daily monitoring of the ventricular rate. There was an increase in baseline ventricular rate of approximately 15%. After discharge from the hospital, weekly control fetal echocardiography was performed in addition to the indices proposed by Huhta for echocardiographic assessment of fetal cardiac function. Fetal ventricular rate in ambulatory controls did not fall below 55 bpm. Cesarean section was indicated at 35 weeks and 4 days of gestation due to premature rupture of ovular membranes. A male newborn was delivered weighing 2,250 grams with Apgar scores of 8 and 9 at the 1st and 5th minute, respectively. After 88 days of life, the infant was weighing 4,580 grams and a definitive bicameral epicardial pacemaker was implanted without complications. Even if there is a transient increase in fetal ventricular rate with the use of terbutaline, a pacemaker is indicated. Delivery should be at term to allow the fetus to achieve adequate weight and pulmonary maturity for definitive pacemaker implantation.