1. Benefits of predischarge echocardiography service for postnatal heart murmurs.
- Author
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Singh, Anju, Desai, Tarak, Miller, Paul, and Rasiah, Shree V
- Subjects
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PEDIATRIC research , *ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY , *HOSPITAL admission & discharge , *HEART murmurs in children , *NEONATOLOGISTS , *CARDIOLOGISTS - 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
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