Echocardiographic Screening of Healthy Neonates for Measuring Pulmonary Artery Pressure

Echocardiographic Screening of Healthy Neonates for Measuring Pulmonary Artery Pressure

The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate dynamic changes in both pulmonary artery pressure and ductus arteriosus during the first 72 hours after birth.

Healthy newborn infants born in Alexandria University Children's Hospital were studied. Dynamic changes during the first 72 hours after birth were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age: 37-42 weeks.
• Birthweight: 2500-4000 g.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neonates more than 6 hours of age at time of enrollment.
• Perinatal asphyxia or hypoxia (1 min Apgar scoring<7 points)
• Cardiac structural abnormalities detected by echocardiography except patent foramen ovale and patent ductus arteriosus
• Other clinically detected congenital malformations such as cleft lip and palate, omphalocele, meningocele, etc.
• Maternal history of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disease