Systolic Right Ventricular Function in Preterm and Term Neonates: Reference Values of the Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) in 258 Patients and Calculation of Z-Score Values

Abstract

Background: The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is an echocardiographic measurement to assess right ventricular systolic function in adults and children. Objective: We determined growth- and birth weight-related changes of TAPSE to establish reference values in preterm and term neonates. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a group of 258 preterm and term neonates (age: 25+0 to 40+6 weeks of gestation, birth weight: 530–4,200 g). Results: The TAPSE ranged from a mean of 0.44 cm (Z-score ±2: 0.30–0.59 cm) in preterm neonates in the 26th week of gestation to 1.03 cm (Z-score ±2: 0.85–1.21 cm) in term neonates in the 41st week of gestation. The TAPSE values increased in a linear way from the 26th to 41st week of gestation. TAPSE, week of gestation and weight are strongly correlated: Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.93 for week of gestation – TAPSE (p < 0.001), 0.93 for week of gestation – birth weight (p < 0.001), and 0.89 for birth weight – TAPSE (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference of normal TAPSE values between female and male patients (p = 0.987). Conclusion: Z-scores of TAPSE values were calculated and percentile charts were established to serve as reference data for ready application in preterm and term neonates with structurally normal hearts and with congenital heart disease in the future.

Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) and Cardiac Z Score Values in 827 Healthy Turkish Children: Single Center Results

“…6,[16][17][18][19] Koestenberger et al studied TAPSE values among 258 premature and mature infants, weighing between 530 g and 4200 g. The mean TAPSE distance was 4.4 mm (z score ±2 SD: 3-5.9) among premature patients, and 10.3 mm (z score ±2 SD: 8.5-12.1) in mature infants. 20 In the present study, the mean TAPSE distance was 9.06 mm (-2 SD: 6.35 mm, + 2 SD: 11.6 mm), and the mean indexed All the patients in the present study were born at a gestational age of 38-40 weeks.…”

Pulmonary Hypertension in Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

“…82 The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a marker of RV systolic function that correlates with gestational age, but has not been studied in relation to BPD severity. [83][84][85] Thus, in spite of its limitations, echocardiography will likely remain a key clinical tool for diagnosing and monitoring PH in these children. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required to determine appropriate screening and diagnostic criteria for PH in BPD and to determine more clear prognostic implications of PH diagnosis.…”

Transesophageal Echocardiographic Approach to a Patient with Suspected Pulmonary Hypertension in the Intraoperative Period

“…The TAPSE changes with growth and increases from preterm infants to healthy adolescents. 48 Reference values of TAPSE measurements in adults and across the pediatric age range are available in the literature. 13 The major limitations with this method are that it measures only the longitudinal function of RV.…”