Abstract

• Two-dimensional and color doppler echocardiography were performed on 54 newborn infants (20:full-term, 21:premature, 13:asphyxated) three times to estimate tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary artery flow. The results were as follows :
  1) Peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation was significantly highest in asphyxated newborn, and it was significantly decreased as increasing age in three groups.
  2) The percent of duration of tricuspid regurgitation was not significantly different among three groups, but they were significantly decreased as increasing age in three groups.
  3) RA/LA area ratio was not significantly different among three groups, but it was signiacantly decreased as increasing age in three groups.
  4) Peak flow velocity, acceleration time, acceleration time/ejection time ratio of pulmonary artery were not significantly different among three groups, but they were significantly increased as increasing age in three groups.
  5) Preejection poriod/acceleration time ratio of pulmonary artery was not significantly different but it was significantly decreased as increasing age in three groups.
  In conclusion, pulmonary artery pressure was normally decreased within 1~2 days by applying the Bernoulli equation to Doppler ultrasound measurement of peak flow velocity of tricuspid regurgitation.
  The technique may be useful in prediction of pulmonary hypertension and treatment of persistent fetal circulation or cardiopulmonary distress.