Publications

Abstract : Aims and Objectives: To assess the efficacy of fetal echocardiographic examination in antenatal women to diagnose structural and functional heart disease. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study of 600 antenatal women was performed; 227 low-risk and 373 high-risk women were evaluated. High-risk factors were hypothyroidism, diabetes, heart disease, Rh negative pregnancies, preeclampsia, SLE, sickle cell anemia, thalessemia and tuberculosis. All women had detailed fetal echocardiographic examination at 20-24 weeks gestation. Accuracy of fetal echocardiography was evaluated from neonatal outcome at birth and after six months. Obsevation & Results: Two percent antenatal women had echocardiographic findings suggestive of fetal heart disease (1.7% of low-risk and 2% of high-risk). Major congenital heart disease on echocardiography, was suspected in two women of high-risk group, which was further confirmed in neonatal period. Eight fetuses were suspected with minor cardiac abnormalities. However, after birth three of them were found to be normal and 5 neonates needed to be kept under follow-up for confirmation or spontaneous resolution. Conclusion: Fetal echocardiography is suggested in high-risk pregnancy for exclusion of congenital heart disease. It should be offered to low risk antenatal women also.