Critical congenital heart disease.
We have reviewed the outcome in 94 infants who underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization in the 1st month of life during the period 1976-1980. Eighty-three were shown to have congenital heart disease, and in nearly 50% further active intervention was attempted. Mortality directly related to catheterization was only 1%, although hospital mortality after surgery was 44%, and overall mortality was 53%. The prevalence of cardiac abnormalities encountered has remained unchanged over the past 10 years, but there has been a gradual improvement in prognosis. Factors contributing to this are discussed.
D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000401:mortality; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn