Fetal cardiology.

A systematic approach to examination of the fetal heart will enhance the detection of structural cardiac abnormalities and will enable an accurate diagnosis of congenital heart disease to be made. Once an abnormality has been detected appropriate counselling must be provided and adequate support given to the parents. Associated extracardiac abnormalities should be sought for, and plans for the remainder of pregnancy, delivery and postnatal management should be made using a team approach. In cases resulting in termination of pregnancy, permission for autopsy should be sought to confirm the ultrasound diagnosis. Although in-utero therapy is available for some forms of fetal arrhythmia and a few limited cases of structural heart disease, this should be conducted in tertiary centres. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.