Functional Echocardiography in Assessment of the Cardiovascular System in Asphyxiated Neonates

Perinatal asphyxia commonly results in multi-organ damage, and cardiovascular dysfunction is a frequent association. Myocardial damage, right ventricular dysfunction, abnormal circulatory transition, and impaired autoregulation may all contribute to postnatal neurological damage. Adequate monitoring and appropriate targeted treatment therefore are essential after an asphyxial insult. Standard methods of cardiovascular monitoring in the neonate have limitations. Point of care ultrasound scanning or functional echocardiography offers extra information to assist the clinician in identifying when there is significant cardiovascular impairment, classifying the underlying abnormal physiology and potentially targeting appropriate therapy, thereby optimizing the post-insult cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery.