Benefits of predischarge echocardiography service for postnatal heart murmurs

To review the findings and outcomes of predischarge echocardiography service for postnatal heart murmurs provided by neonatologists.

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.

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.

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.