Role of Functional Echocardiography in Preterm Infants in the Neonatology Unit

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of functional echocardiography in preterm infants admitted to a Tunisian NICU. Methods: This prospective, single-center study included 60 preterm infants (<37 weeks gestational age) over 12 months. Echocardiography was performed to assess structural and functional cardiac abnormalities and guide clinical management. Results: Structural heart defects were observed in 15% of cases. Functional abnormalities, including systo- lic dysfunction, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriousus (hsPDA), and abnormal ventricular output, were detected in 42% of infants. Echocardiographic findings led to changes in therapeutic mana- gement in 23% of cases, primarily for PDA closure, inotropic support, and fluid optimization. In cases with systolic dysfunction, early identification allowed targeted interventions and favorable outcomes. Conclusion : Functional echocardiography is a crucial tool in preterm infants, particularly for PDA evalua- tion and ventricular dysfunction. Functional echocardiography provides clinically meaningful information beyond routine examination and represents an essential tool for individualized hemodynamic assessment in preterm infants.