Article Text
Abstract
Background Chronic lung disease (CLD), defined as oxygen requirement at 36 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA) is a significant neonatal morbidity which can have adverse effects on cardiac function until at least pre-school age.1 Conventional echocardiographic techniques are often insufficient to identify cardiac dysfunction in preterm infants. We have previously demonstrated that tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) may be a useful method of assessment of myocardial function in these patients.2
Objectives To compare myocardial function in preterm infants born at <32 weeks gestation with and without CLD using TDI.
Methods 40 preterm infants with CLD (20 receiving low flow nasal cannula oxygen and 20 receiving non-invasive positive airway pressure) and 20 without CLD had an echocardiogram at approximately 36 weeks CGA. Myocardial function was evaluated using both conventional echocardiography and TDI. Institutional ethical approval and written parental consent were obtained.
Results The median GA and birth weight (BW) of infants with CLD was lower than controls (27wk (23–31) vs. 28 wk (23–31); 824 g (500–1640) vs.1030 g (570–1700)). There was no significant difference in persistence of PDA, tricuspid regurgitation, left ventricular fractional shortening and left ventricular output between the groups. However, right ventricular late diastolic velocities (A’) (p = 0.01); biventricular myocardial performance index (p ≤ 0.002); biventricular ejection times (p < 0.05) and biventricular isovolumetric contraction and relaxation times (p ≤ 0.003) were all significantly higher in CLD cases compared with controls. All measurements were similar between CLD cases requiring different levels of respiratory support.
Conclusion Using TDI in this vulnerable group of patients may improve the identification of cardiac dysfunction and guide further management.
References
-
Koroglu OA, Yalaz M, Levent E, Akisu M, Kültürsay N. Cardiovascular consequences of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in prematurely born preschool children. Neonatology 2013;104(4):283–289
-
Negrine RJS, Chikermane A, Wright JGC, Ewer AK. Assessment of myocardial function in neonates using issue Doppler imaging. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2012;97 F304–F306