The prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve in newborns by echocardiographic screening

This study was carried out to determine the true prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in newborns, which has not yet been determined.

One thousand seventy five live born neonates (567 male neonates, 508 female neonates; gestational ages ranging from 27 to 42 weeks, and birth weights ranging from 720 to 4,780 g) were screened by transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography to assess the prevalence of BAV.

BAV was identified in a prevalence of 4.6 in 1,000 live births. The prevalence of BAV by sex was 7.1 of 1,000 in male neonates, and 1.9 of 1,000 in female neonates. All newborns with BAV were asymptomatic. Mild aortic regurgitation was found in only 1 neonate with BAV. Because BAV may result in aortic valvular stenosis and/or regurgitation, a recommendation of regular follow-ups and antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis should be necessary.