It generally occurs as a result of the presence of maternal autoantibodies that are transferred to the fetus and affect the fetal heart, or it may be associated with a congenital structural abnormality of the heart. Infants with CCHB are at risk for diminished cardiac output and the subsequent development of congestive heart failure.
Many infants require the placement of a cardiac pacemaker.
It is essential that the nurse caring for these infants have a good understanding of the disease process and be familiar with the unique problems that these infants and their families may encounter.