#290 – 🫀 From the Heart - Preemies with CHD, Post op Brain Injury & The Neonatologist’s Role in Cardiac Care

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In this episode of From The Heart, hosts Dr. Nim Goldshtrom and Dr. Adrianne Bischoff explore the latest research in neonatal cardiac care, focusing on congenital heart disease (CHD) and its impact on premature infants. They discuss a study analyzing survival trends in preterm infants with CHD, highlighting the “double jeopardy” these babies face due to both prematurity and congenital cardiac anomalies. Another study compares neurodevelopmental outcomes between preterm infants and those with CHD, revealing that term infants with CHD exhibit similar motor and cognitive challenges as preterm infants, yet receive less developmental support. The conversation then shifts to emerging research showing a decline in postoperative brain injuries in CHD patients, possibly due to improved surgical and perioperative care. Finally, they discuss a survey on neonatal cardiac care models, emphasizing the evolving role of neonatologists in managing CHD patients and the need for better integration between NICUs and CICUs. Nim and Adrianne reflect on the importance of specialized care teams, advocating for neonatologists to play a greater role in optimizing outcomes for this vulnerable population. Tune in for a compelling discussion on bridging the gaps in neonatal cardiac care.

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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