Fetal echocardiography in 83 fetuses with omphalocele from Dept for Diagnoses and Prevention of Fetal Malformations, Research Institute Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, and Medical University of Lodz, (1999-2006)

Abstract

Material and Methods: It was a retrospective analysis of fetal echocardiography results (analysis of congenital heart defect (CHD) and functional abnormalities in normal heart anatomy) in 83 fetuses diagnosed and treated in the same institution. Results: In our group of fetuses, the most common structural defect, in addition to omphalocele, proved to be CHD. In the group of omphalocele, normal heart anatomy and functional abnormalities (tricuspid regurgitation, myocardial hypertrophy, arrhythmias) , the hospital stay was longer comparing to the group of omphalocele, normal heart anatomy and normal heart study (t – test p=0,005). CHD was a bad prognostic factor and most fetuses/newborns did not survive (Chi-square 0,0005, Fisher test 0,000032). In the group of omphalocele and normal heart anatomy based on fetal echocardiography, the survival rate was 70%. The omphalocele and CHD survivors (n=3) had been only those, who did not require a cardiac surgery in first month of postnatal life. Conlusion: Echocardiography exam of fetus with omphalocele and CHD and functional abnormalities has diagnostic and prognostic value.