Atrial flutter in a premature infant with a structurally normal heart

Abstract

Isolated postnatal atrial flutter (AF) with a structurally normal heart is rare in the neonatal period. Central lines have their inherent risks and are frequently used in the management of growing premature newborns. Some new antimicrobial agents do have pro-arrhythmic effects, proven in adults but with limited data available for the newborn. We present a case of atrial flutter with 2:1 block in a 1-month-old premature baby with possible contribution from an intra-cardiac catheter and/or use of a broad spectrum antimicrobial.

Keywords:

• Atrial flutter
• central catheter
• cardioversion
• patent ductus arteriosus