Targeted neonatal echocardiography in neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is determining the frequency of use, and the patient characteristics and indications.Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all neonates who underwent targeted neonatal echocardiography in the neonatal unit of Adana Şehir Training and Research Hospital between September 2016 and September 2018. All newborns who underwent echocardiography according to clinical findings within 24 months were included in the study. Data including gestational age, birth weight, respiratory support, timing and diagnosis of echocardiography were obtained from the review of clinical notes.Results: A total of 355 echocardiographic evaluations were performed in 186 newborns. The most common indications for targeted echocardiography were patent ductus arteriosus (n = 148, 41.7%) followed by evaluation of myocardial performance and systemic blood flow (n = 99, 27.9%) and pulmonary hypertension (n= 72, 20.3%). The median time of echocardiographic evaluation was postnatal 22 (1-178) hours. More than half (59.7%) of the newborns received respiratory support (continuous positive pressure ventilation (21%), conventional mechanical ventilation (27.4%), and high frequency oscillation ventilation (11.3%).Conclusion: Targeted echocardiography is often used and it can be a useful tool in guiding treatment. Assessment of patent ductus arteriosus, myocardial performance and systemic blood flow are the most common indications for use. Large, well-coordinated prospective studies are needed to confirm its usefulness.