1157 Outcome of Babies From the Postnatal Ward Who Underwent Echocardiography

Abstract

Objective: To review our echocardiography service for postnatal ward babies, focusing on the indications, findings and the subsequent outcomes. Methods: Information on all echocardiograms performed on the neonatal unit was collected prospectively over 24 months (January 2008 to December 2009). We then retrospectively reviewed all echocardiograms carried on babies from the postnatal ward over the same period. Results: 285 echocardiograms were performed on 244 babies in the postnatal ward. The most common indication for performing echocardiography was murmur in 52% babies. The other indications for echocardiography included: 29% failed pulse oximetry, 8% family history of congenital heart disease, 3% antenatal cardiac concerns, 3% dysmorphology, 3% dysrhythmia and 2% weak femoral pulses. The median age for performing the scan was two days. In 40% babies, the echocardiogram was normal. The lesions identified include; 25% patent ductus arteriosus, 15% ventricular septal defects, 9% patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect, 4.4% right ventricular outflow problems, 2.3 % left ventricular outflow problems, 1.5% tricuspid regurgitation, 1% atrioventricular septal defect, 0.4% transposition of great arteries, 0.4% tetralogy of fallot and 1% persistent pulmonary hypertension. 41% babies were discharged with no follow-up. 36% babies were followed up in the local cardiac murmur clinic and 23 % babies were referred to the paediatric cardiologist. Conclusion: Postnatal echocardiogram is valuable in early identification and appropriate referral of structural heart defects to the paediatric cardiologist. It has an equally important role in providing reassurance to families of babies with normal hearts prior to discharge from hospital.