[Cardiac catheterization in neonates: experience in 26 neonates]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Neonatal Medicine

Context:

• Cardiac catheterization is infrequently performed in neonates in China.
• A review of 26 neonates undergoing cardiac catheterization at Shanghai Children's Medical Center (June 1994-June 2004) was conducted.
• The neonates' weight ranged from 2300 to 4500g, with a mean postnatal age of 15.2 days.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cardiac catheterization in neonates with congenital heart disease in China.
• To assess diagnostic accuracy and interventional success rates.
• To determine the incidence of catheterization-related complications.

Summary:

• Procedures included right and left heart ventricle angiography, pulmonary angiography, and balloon aortic septostomy (BAS).
• Diagnoses comprised complex cyanotic cardiovascular malformations (20 cases) and acyanotic heart disease (4 cases).
• All diagnostic and interventional procedures were successful, with a 15.3% complication rate and no mortality.

Impact:

• Cardiac catheterization is confirmed as an accurate and safe method for diagnosing complex congenital heart diseases in neonates.
• Interventional catheterization demonstrates utility in treating complex congenital heart malformations in this population.
• This study highlights the potential for expanding cardiac catheterization services for neonates in China.