Targeted neonatal echocardiography service in neonatal intensive care in Manitoba, Canada

Objective To evaluate the impact of a targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) service on patient management in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Winnipeg, Canada. Study design Retrospective cohort study of neonates who had TNEs from 2014 to 2019. The primary outcome was the change in clinical management based on TNE recommendation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the primary outcome. Results A total of 747 echos were performed on 307 neonates. Patent ductus arteriosus assessment was the most common indication for TNE followed by evaluation of pulmonary hypertension and systemic hemodynamics. TNE led to a change in clinical management following 492 (66%) echos. Mechanical ventilation [Odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% CI: 1.7-3.4, P < 0.001) and receiving inhaled nitric oxide (1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-3.0, P = 0.003) were the predictors for the change in clinical management following TNE. Conclusion TNE has enhanced patient care by altering the management of patients in the NICU.