Introduction to Neonatologist-performed Echocardiography

Overview

Journal Pediatr Res

Specialties Biology
Pediatrics

Date 2018 Aug 4

PMID 30072808

Citations 23

Authors

Alan M Groves

Yogen Singh

Eugene Dempsey

Zoltan Molnar

Topun Austin

Afif El-Khuffash

Willem P de Boode

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Cardiac ultrasound techniques are increasingly used in the neonatal intensive care unit to guide cardiorespiratory care of the sick newborn. This is the first in a series of eight review articles discussing the current status of "neonatologist-performed echocardiography" (NPE). The aim of this introductory review is to discuss four key elements of NPE. Indications for scanning are summarized to give the neonatologist with echocardiography skills a clear scope of practice. The fundamental physics of ultrasound are explained to allow for image optimization and avoid erroneous conclusions from artifacts. To ensure patient safety during echocardiography recommendations are given to prevent cardiorespiratory instability, hypothermia, infection, and skin lesions. A structured approach to echocardiography, with the same standard views acquired in the same sequence at each scan, is suggested in order to ensure that the neonatologist confirms normal structural anatomy or acquires the necessary images for a pediatric cardiologist to do so when reviewing the scan.

Citing Articles

Accuracy and Reproducibility of a Modified Echocardiographic Method for Right Ventricular Output Calculation in Neonates.

Milocchi C, Nogara S, Mazzuca G, Runfola F, Ciarcia M, Corsini I J Cardiovasc Dev Dis. 2025; 12(1).

PMID: 39852296 PMC: 11765522. DOI: 10.3390/jcdd12010018.

Comparing qualitative and quantitative echocardiographic markers to assess cardiac contractility in newborn infants: protocol for a prospective cohort study.

Pereira S, Satas S BMJ Paediatr Open. 2024; 8(1).

PMID: 39401972 PMC: 11474862. DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002606.

Detection of congenital heart disease by neonatologist performed cardiac ultrasound in preterm infants.

MacDonald B, Yim D, Ramsay J, Gill A J Perinatol. 2024; 44(10):1432-1436.

PMID: 39043996 PMC: 11442300. DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02065-4.

Assessment of hemodynamic dysfunction in septic newborns by functional echocardiography: a systematic review.

Pugnaloni F, De Rose D, Kipfmueller F, Patel N, Ronchetti M, Dotta A Pediatr Res. 2024; 95(6):1422-1431.

PMID: 38245631 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03045-2.

E-Health: A Game Changer in Fetal and Neonatal Cardiology?.

Padovani P, Singh Y, Pass R, Vasile C, Nield L, Baruteau A J Clin Med. 2023; 12(21).

PMID: 37959330 PMC: 10650296. DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216865.

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