Evaluation of congenital heart disease in newborns referred to the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinics

Abstract

Aim: Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital anomaly in newborns. The aim of this study is to evaluate the congenital heart disease in newborns referred to the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinics. Material and Method: A total of 607 patients admitted to the Pediatric Cardiology Outpatient Clinics between March 2017 and June 2018 during the first 30 days of life were evaluated retrospectively. Electrocardiogram was performed on all newborns. The cardiovascular system examination, electrocardiogram evaluation and echocardiography were performed to all newborns. Results: 271 (44.6%) of the patients were female. The mean age and weight was 12.25±8.93 days (0-30 days) and 3.57 ± 0.64 kg (1.85-6.0), respectively. The most frequent presenting cause was murmur. 19 of the patients have congenital anomaly. The most frequently detected anomaly was Down syndrome. Echocardiographic evaluation showed no abnormal findings in 168 (27.7%) of the patients. The most common congenital heart disease was atrial septal defect and secondly ventricular septal defect. Conclusion: Echocardiographic examination was normal in most of the patients. The most frequent presenting cause was murmur. Echocardiographic examination should be performed on patients suspected of having congenital heart disease because the patients may have any different findings and symptoms during neonatal period. Early cardiologic evaluation is very important in the early diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart diseases.