title: Initial systolic time intervals as predictors of the severity of transient tachypnea in term neonates.
abstract: 42 term neonates with transient tachypnea (TTN) underwent echocardiography and determination of systolic time intervals before the age of 4 hours. Based on initial measurement of right ventricular systolic time intervals (RVSTIs) the patients were divided in two groups: neonates with RVSTI ratios less than or equal to 0.50 (Group I) (n = 35) and neonates with RVSTI ratios greater than 0.50 (Group II) (n = 7). Group II neonates also had significantly more prolonged left ventricular systolic time intervals (LVSTIs) than Group I neonates. Group II neonates developed markedly more severe form of TTN than Group I neonates. Initially prolonged RVSTI was best predictor of the development of severe TTN (relative risk ratio 17.5, p less than 0.001): clinical characteristics and oxygen requirements at the admission had limited predictive value.
mesh_terms: D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D011859:Radiography; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012306:Risk; D013599:Systole