Role of Fetal Echocardiograms in Determining the Delivery Location of Fetuses with Cardiac Anomalies

Neonates born with duct-dependent lesions often require the care of high risk obstetrics and feto-maternal teams in tertiary surgical facilities. However, three fetuses in which prenatal fetal echocardiography demonstrated the presence of both TOF and RAA and the absence of DA were delivered and clinically managed at local facilities. This was made possible because they remained healthy for the initial three to four weeks following birth, suggesting that the co-occurrence of the aforementioned conditions might naturally select patients and protect them from expected complications. Using fetal echocardiography to determine the risk index of the fetuses is of interest as it can prevent the emergency transport of neonates, especially for neonates with cardiac anomalies. Therefore, utilizing fetal echocardiography as a method to determine risk index would allow hospital staff and families to minimize risks and maximize the effective use of resources available at their disposal.