Benefits of predischarge echocardiography service for postnatal heart murmurs.
Acta Paediatr
; 101(8): e333-6, 2012 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22497219
ABSTRACT
AIM:
To review the findings and outcomes of predischarge echocardiography service for postnatal heart murmurs provided by neonatologists.METHODS:
We retrospectively reviewed all predischarge echocardiograms performed on babies from the postnatal wards (PNW) over the last 3 years. We evaluated the indications, median age, findings and outcome.RESULTS:
A total of 408 echocardiograms were performed on 350 babies on the PNW. The most common indication was presence of a murmur (58%). In babies with a heart murmur, 26% had a normal echocardiogram, 2% had major structural heart defects, 38% had minor structural heart defects and 34% had transient circulatory changes. 32% were discharged with no follow-up, 28% were followed up in the local cardiac clinic and 40% were referred to the cardiologist.CONCLUSION:
Predischarge echocardiography service for postnatal heart murmurs provided by neonatologists has the benefit of providing an early diagnosis, counselling of the parents and arranging appropriate follow-up. It helps to triage the referrals to the cardiologist. We felt that we were able to alleviate parental anxieties by providing a definitive diagnosis and written information prior to discharge from hospital. We strongly believe that this service should only be provided by those appropriately trained and skilled in echocardiography.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Cuidado Pós-Natal
/
Sopros Cardíacos
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Cardiopatias Congênitas
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Evaluation_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
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Screening_studies
Limite:
Humans
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Newborn
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Acta Paediatr
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido