الفهرس 
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Abstract
The cardiovascular transition from a fetus to a newborn is a critically important step taking place directly after birth initiated mainly by postnatal breathing and cord clamping. These trigger immediate elevation in both SVR and PBF with increasing pulmonary venous return leading to functional closure of the foramen ovale and reversal of flow across ductus arteriosus. In some instances, failure of smooth cardiovascular transition leads to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
- Pulmonary hypertension is defined as pathological increase in pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP)≥ 35 mmHg. Comprehensive echocardiography is strongly indicated in case of clinical suspicion of PPHN to establish proper diagnosis.
- In our study, we screened healthy neonates during early transition to set an estimate for different functional echocardiographic measures during smooth physiological transition.
- Our study included 146 neonates born full term. Cases were screened twice, at 0-6 hours then at 48-72 hours. Eighty two percent (82%) had PDA at 0-6 hours with 54.7% being bidirectional. The closure rate at 48-72 hrs was 94.4% with 100% reversal of direction into left to right.
- There were no interval changes in measures of RV diastolic function or LV systolic and diastolic parameters in both studies. PASP, mPAP and RV MPI were significantly reduced on 2nd screening study.