Right ventricular function in preterm and term neonates: reference values for right ventricle areas and fractional area of change.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Right ventricular (RV) fractional area of change (FAC) is a quantitative two-dimensional echocardiographic measurement of RV function. RV FAC expresses the percentage change in the RV chamber area between end-diastole (RV end-diastolic area [RVEDA]) to end-systole (RV end-systolic area [RVESA]). The objectives of this study were to determine the maturational (age- and weight-related) changes in RV FAC and RV areas and to establish reference values in healthy preterm and term neonates.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 115 preterm infants (23-28 weeks' gestational age at birth, 500-1,500 g). RV FAC was measured at 24 hours of age, 72 hours of age, and 32 and 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA). The maturational patterns of RVEDA, RVESA, and RV

SUBMITTER: Levy PT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4532398 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature