Fetal Third-Trimester Functional Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Neonatal Elevated Bilirubin Level

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

• Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common concern.
• Fetal cardiovascular abnormalities can impact neonatal health.
• Understanding the link between fetal heart function and neonatal outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze neonatal outcomes in fetuses with diagnosed functional cardiovascular abnormalities.
• To investigate the association between fetal cardiac functional anomalies and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Main Methods:

• An observational study of 100 neonates was conducted.
• Fetal echocardiography was performed in the third trimester.
• Neonates were categorized into two groups: normal heart anatomy without functional anomalies and normal heart anatomy with functional abnormalities.

Main Results:

• In the group with functional abnormalities (28 cases), 46% exhibited elevated bilirubin levels (>10 mg/dL).
• Tricuspid regurgitation was observed in 53% of cases within the abnormal group.
• A statistically significant difference in elevated bilirubin levels was found between groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Normal fetal heart anatomy generally predicts a good neonatal outcome.
• Functional cardiovascular abnormalities, especially tricuspid regurgitation, are associated with an increased risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.