Significance of heart murmur in diagnosis of congenital heart disease in newborn babies

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of neonate with heart murmur and contribution of neonatal examination especially presence or absence of cardiac murmur in the detection of congenital heart disease [CHD]. The study was carried out in neonatology unit in althawra teaching Hospital-albaida Libya during the-period from January 2009 to January 2010. Neonates having heart murmur or when there were some clues to doubt CHD like cyanosis, respiratory distress, heart failure and echocardiography were done for all. CHD were classified according to the structural defect with the echocardiographic findings. Total 722 neonates were admitted during one year period. Heart murmurs were found in 81 cases. Out of 8 leases 34 [41.9%] had CHD confirmed by echocardiography. Another 9 neonates were found to have CHD without murmur after echocardiography. In total 43 [5.9%] neonates had CHD. Infant with CHD may present with or without murmur. Clinical examination with Careful auscultation is mandatory in the initial evaluation of neonates to identify CHD. The infant having suggestive features for CHD with or without murmur should undergone echocardiography, so that appropriate management and early intervention can be done