Can the atrial septal defect size in newborn patient predict spontaneous closure?

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. onbehalf Hospital Albert Eisntein"s pediatric echocardiogram team Can atrial septal defect size in newborn predict spontaneous closure? Introduction Spontaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) has been reported to occur in 33%-75% of patients. Factors that influence spontaneous closure are size of the ASD and age of the patients. Purpose We aimed to investigate if the diameter of ASD measured by echocardiogram in the newborn can anticipate clinical outcome and predict spontaneous closure. Methods We reviewed 1012 two-dimensional echocardiograms (2DE) performed in the first days of life of newborn at our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 with ASD or patent foramen ovale (PFO) as initial diagnoses. The exclusion criteria were associated congenital heart disease, except ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus both without repercussion. 153 newborns with ASD or PFO in the first 2DE were included in this study. The individual data collected were age at the exam, birth weight, gestational age, height by birth, ASD diameter, total diameter of atrial septum and Septum/ASD ratio (Table 1). The results were expressed as mean ± SD, or percentage. Comparisons of continuous variables between groups of patients were performed using the Student T test. Statistical significance was determined by p <0,05. The newborn was grouped according to the observation or not of spontaneous closure. Results ASD or PFO was found in 153 newborns. 60 had PFO, spontaneous closure was reported in 38 (63%). 93 had ASD in the first 2DE, spontaneous closure was reported in 41 (44%). The mean age of diagnosis was 3,37 ±4,39 days of life. The diameter of the ASD in the first exam and the septum/ASD ratio were associated with spontaneous closure. There was no association between spontaneous closure of ASD and birth weight or gestational age in this studied group. Conclusion The ASD diameter obtained at the first 2DE in the first days of life was associated with spontaneous closure of the defect. Table 1 Non-closure group (N = 52) Closure group (N= 41) P Age at the exam (days) 3,48 (±4,52) 3,2 (±4,27) 0,78 Birth weight (grams) 2459,85 (±1098,79) 2350,12 (±1247,70) 0,65 Gestational age (weeks) 34,88 (±5,17) 34,54 (±5,10) 0,75 Height by birth (cm) 44,46 (±6,81) 43,67 (±6,77) 0,57 ASD diameter (mm) 3,66 (± 2,66 (±0,57) <0,01 Septum diameter (mm) 18,74 (±3,9) 18,92(±4,51) 0,83 Septum/ ASD ratio 5,74 (±2,38) 7,28 (±1,96) <0,01 cm = centimeter, mm = millimeter, ASD = atrial septal defect. Unit: Mean and standard deviation.