Impact of prenatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease on neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to analyze the benefits associated with prenatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease (CHD) on preoperative morbidity, 30-day and 1-year mortality in this population.

METHOD: This was a retrospective review of patients with complex CHD born at our tertiary care center over a 10-year period. Date analysis using Student t test and chi-square test.

RESULTS: The overall rate of prenatal detection of complex CHD was 68.1%. A steady increase in the number of complex CHD diagnosed prenatally was noted during the study period. The prenatal diagnosis of complex CHD was associated with significant reduction in the incidence of the following preoperative parameters: antibiotic use, mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, hepatic and renal dysfunction, and acidosis. These beneficial effects were more significant in ductal-dependent cardiac anomalies. However, there were no neonatal and infant survival benefits in association with prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of complex CHD leads to improved preoperative morbidity, especially in patients with ductal-dependent cardiac anomalies. No survival benefits were noted with prenatal diagnosis of complex CHD.