Table 1.

Summary of risk factors that should prompt detailed cardiac evaluation

Fetal factors

Suspected cardiac abnormality on screening ultrasound

Increased nuchal translucency thickness

Fetal hydrops

Fetal abnormality with known association of congenital heart disease

e.g., exomphalos, diaphragmatic hernia

Fetal arrhythmia

Abnormal fetal karyotype, e.g., trisomy 21

Maternal and familial risk factors

Family history of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a first degree relative.

Diabetes mellitus – Mothers who are established diabetics on treatment

Mothers with a tendency toward diabetes that is solely related to pregnancy are not judged candidates for fetal echocardiography

Mothers taking known teratogenic drugs, e.g., anticonvulsants, lithium

Maternal anti - Ro or anti - La antibodies

Mothers who have anti-Ro and / or La antibodies are candidates for fetal cardiology assessment, in view of the risk of developing fetal heart block. Mothers NOT having anti Ro or La antibodies are not candidates for fetal echocardiography

Maternal infections, e.g., parvovirus, Coxsackie