Echocardiographic Evaluation in Neonates Suspected to Congenital Heart Disease in NICU

Background and Objective: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most form of cardiovascular disease in children. CHD have different presentations, from defects that progress asymptomatically to those with significant symptoms and high mortality. This study was performed to highlight the importance of signs and symptoms to diagnosis of CHD neonates. Materials & Methods: This descriptive analytic study was performed on 113 newborns in NICU ward of Mostafa Khomeini hospital from March 2010 to March 2011, referred for cardiac evaluation by echocardiography. Data and echocardiography results were extracted from patients’ documents. PDA in preterm newborns was excluded. Results: Echocardiographic findings were normal in 20 newborns and abnormal in 93 cases. Murmur and cyanosis were reasons for referral to cardiologist in 45 (39.82%) newborns, of which 42 (93.33%) newborns had CHD. DM in mothers was the reason for referral in 21 (18.85%) newborns, of which 17 (80.95%) newborns had CHD. Asphyxia was the reason for referral in 17 (15.04%) newborns, of which 14 (82.35%) newborns had CHD. Bradycardia was the reason for referral in 13 (11.50%) newborns, of which 11 (84.62%) newborns had CHD. Arrhythmia, associated congenital malformation, chromosome disorders, tachycardia, RDS and CHF were uncommon reasons for referral. Conclusion: The main reasons for referral were heart murmur and cyanosis. Although other reasons were uncommon, their presence indicated a high probability of diagnosis of heart disease.