Evaluation of neonatal presurgical echocardiographic requests for noncardiac surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Context: There is a well-established association of congenital heart disease (CHD) with surgically correctable malformations particularly those of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary and central nervous systems. These malformations are typically corrected during the newborn period. Clinically significant and severe CHDs may worsen surgical outcomes. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CHD diagnosed by echocardiography in neonates having noncardiac surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. The study also aimed to assess if echocardiographic findings correlated with the severity of clinical presentation. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective review of the clinical and echocardiographic records of neonates who underwent noncardiac surgery between October 2020 and March 2023 at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Subjects and Methods: Echocardiographic studies were done on all participants on a GE Vivid Iq® machine using standard views. M-mode and two-dimensional data were recorded. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using the Statistical package for socials sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: Thirty patients had presurgical echocardiography done in the period accounting for 41% of all neonatal echocardiography requests. Twenty percent of the patients had a CHD identified. Atrial Septal Defects were the commonest CHD identified in 50% of patients. The association between clinical symptoms, gender, surgical diagnosis and the presence of CHDs were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Neonatal surgical anomalies are commonly associated with CHDs. The nature of most of the CHDs however appears to be mild. A preoperative assessment by a pediatric cardiologist is recommended to avoid undue delays.