Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography and Neonatal Hemodynamics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A One-Year Experience in Service Implementation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a newly established targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and Neonatal Hemodynamics consultation service on the assessment and management of neonates. METHODS: This is a descriptive retrospective cohort study that included all neonates who underwent TNE consultations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from October 2023 and September 2024. Clinical indications, diagnostic findings, and subsequent management were analyzed. RESULT: A total of 237 TNE consultations were performed for 105 neonates. The mean gestational age was 29.9 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1433 grams. On average, 19.8 echocardiographic scans were performed per month. The leading indications for consultation were assessment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (43%), acute pulmonary hypertension (16.4%), screening for chronic pulmonary hypertension (18.6%), neonatal hypotension (17.7%), heart function (0.8%), and central line assessment (3.4%). Among the cohort, 83 neonates (79%) received targeted interventions based on TNE findings. Of these, 38 neonates (36.2%) born at