Structural cardiac lesions in transient tachypnea of the newborn

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is considered a benign disorder. Given its self-limiting nature, few studies have looked for associated pathology. This study explores the association of TTN with structural cardiac lesions.

Over a six-month period, all inborn term and late preterm neonates with TTN (without predisposing factors) underwent 2D echocardiography within the first ten days of life, after tachypnea had subsided. Equal number of neonates born during the same period, matched for birth weight, gestational age, sex, and mode of delivery but without tachypnea, also underwent echocardiography before ten days of life. The cardiologist performing the echocardiography was blinded to the presence or absence of tachypnea.

Thirty-six neonates with tachypnea and equal number of controls underwent echocardiography. Due to matching, there was no significant difference in birth weight, gestational age, sex, or mode of delivery between the two groups. Mean age at echocardiography also did not significantly differ. Neonates with TTN had significantly more structural cardiac lesions than those without (16 [44.44%] vs 5 [13.39%]; p < 0.009).

Significantly more neonates with TTN have associated structural cardiac lesions. All neonates with TTN should be screened for underlying structural cardiac lesions.