Diagnosis of Suspected Congenital Heart Disease
Maneesha Pandurang Halkar
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are considered multifactorial defects, and most cases are asymptomatic and diagnosed during routine neonatal checkups. Early recognition of cardiac diseases in neonates is of immense importance; otherwise, it could lead to sudden clinical presentation and deterioration, and in turn to an apparent life-threatening event and mortality. Critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs), which require intervention in the first few weeks of life, occur in about 2 in 1000 live births and are an important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
The diagnosis of CHDs may pass unnoticed in 30% of infants during the first few weeks of life. Diagnosis of suspected cardiac disease in neonates requires screening methods. Antenatal ultrasound and postnatal examination do not detect CCHDs before discharge in up to one-third of the cases, and many of these neonates will either collapse or die before diagnosis. It is therefore crucial that pediatricians and neonatologists rapidly evaluate and participate in the initial medical management of neonates with CHDs.
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