Effect of Birth Asphyxia on Neonatal Heart: A Two-dimensional Echocardiography-based Study at a Tertiary Care Center

Perinatal asphyxia is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, with potential long-term complications. Timely identification and management are crucial to improving neonatal outcomes. This study aims to assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes of perinatal asphyxia, with a particular focus on echocardiographic findings in term neonates.

This prospective study was conducted between June 2022 and January 2023, enrolling 230 term neonates diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia. Clinical history, physical examination, and two-dimensional echocardiography were performed for each neonate. Neonates with congenital anomalies were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.

Out of 230 neonates, 45.23% of those delivered by cesarean section presented with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) III. Meconium-stained liquor was strongly associated with severe HIE, while shock was observed in all HIE III cases. Echocardiographic findings included patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 92.3%, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in 57.3%, and left ventricular dysfunction in 50.6%. Early neonatal death was reported in 2.6% of cases.

Perinatal asphyxia leads to significant cardiovascular and neurological complications. Echocardiographic abnormalities, particularly PDA and PPHN, are commonly observed. Early and accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate management is crucial to improving neonatal survival and outcomes.