ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS IN NEWBORNS: CURRENT CAPABILITIES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Khalilov Otabek Nematilloyevich

Authors

Khalilov Otabek Nematilloyevich Assistant of the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Education, Andijan State Medical Institute

Keywords:

echocardiography, newborns, congenital heart defects, perinatal factors, diagnostics, adaptation.

Abstract

Relevance. Echocardiography in the early neonatal period is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing congenital heart defects and functional disorders of the cardiovascular system. The method enables detection of both structural anomalies and transient adaptive changes, yet its routine use in neonatal practice remains limited, particularly in the context of perinatal factors.

Objective. To analyze echocardiographic parameters in full‑term newborns during the first 7 days of life, taking into account maternal health status, pregnancy and delivery features, and anthropometric characteristics of the child.

Materials and Methods. A total of 120 full‑term newborns were examined using standard transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler modes. Cardiac chamber dimensions, interventricular septal thickness, valve morphology, presence of septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus, and intracardiac hemodynamics were assessed. Statistical correlations were analyzed between echocardiographic parameters, anthropometric data, and maternal health.

Results. Patent ductus arteriosus was detected in 12.5% of newborns, atrial septal defects in 18.3%, and signs of pulmonary hypertension in 9.6%. Significant correlations were found between birth weight and cardiac chamber size (r = +0.482; p < 0.01), as well as between head circumference and interventricular septal thickness (r = +0.356; p < 0.05). Transient myocardial dysfunction was more frequent in infants born to mothers with anemia and hypertension.

Conclusions. Echocardiography enables timely detection of congenital heart defects and functional disorders influenced by perinatal factors. Incorporating echocardiography into routine neonatal screening increases diagnostic efficiency and contributes to reducing infant mortality and morbidity.

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