Objective To compare the left ventricular Eccentricity Index (EI) and tricuspid valve systolic:diastolic (SD) ratio in infants at risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Study Design Review of echocardiograms performed on infants born at ≤28 weeks postmenstrual age, categorized into three cohorts: BPD and PH (n=13); BPD only (n=16); and controls (n=59). EI was measured from a parasternal short axis 2D image. The SD ratio was measured from the continuous wave Doppler tracing. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Result EI and SD ratio were successfully measured in all infants. There were no differences between controls and BPD cohort. In contrast, the BPD and PH cohort had increased systolic EI (1.46 vs 1.00–1.01), diastolic EI (1.47 vs 1.00), and SD ratio (1.12 vs 0.97–1.00) compared to controls and BPD only cohort (P≤0.01 for all). Conclusion The EI and SD ratio may be useful as a screening tool for PH in this population.

Administration of dexmedetomidine after congenital cardiac surgery was not associated with any increase in pulmonary artery pressure.

TAPSE, GLPS, and right-to-left PDA shunting were associated with progression to death/ECMO. RV free wall strain was not associated with the outcome, suggesting that diminished global strain better reflects clinical outcomes in this group. These thresholds may assist in the decision-making to transfer high-risk infants to ECMO centres.