BACKGROUND: The postnatal period in preterm @entity1 involves multiple physiologic changes starting directly after birth and continuing for days or weeks. To recognize and treat compromise, it is important to measure cardiovascular function. We used a novel technique (speckle tracking echocardiography, @entity4912 ) to measure cardiac function in this period. METHODS: We obtained cardiac ultrasound images at day 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 in preterm @entity1 <30-week gestation. Conventional measures included cardiac size, left @entity64 volume, atrial volume and the @entity2461 ( @entity2461 ). Four chamber images were analyzed with @entity4912 , which provided parameters of left ventricular volume, longitudinal deformation and myocardial velocities. RESULTS: Images of 54 @entity1 (gestational age 23-29  weeks) were analyzed. @entity4912 -derived @entity64 volume correlated well with conventional echocardiography-derived @entity64 volume, but agreement was suboptimal. Most @entity4912 parameters showed good reliability. All volume parameters and systolic and atrial velocities increased over time. @entity299 and early diastolic velocity did not change. A @entity2461 was associated with 33  % increased @entity64 volume at day 3 up to 98  % at day 28 with a spherically enlarged heart and increased filling pressure. CONCLUSION: Speckle tracking echocardiography analysis is a feasible and reliable technique that can simultaneously obtain systolic and diastolic volumes, longitudinal deformation and myocardial velocities from one ultrasound window. Preterm hearts maintain cardiac function well during the first weeks of life, even with increased preload as a consequence of a @entity2461 .

Cardiac Function After the Immediate Transitional Period in Very Preterm XXXX Using Speckle Tracking Analysis.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['infants'] @entity4912 :: ('6783', 'Gene') :: ['STE'] @entity64 :: ('MESH:D020521', 'Disease') :: ['ventricular stroke', 'stroke'] @entity2461 :: ('MESH:D004374', 'Disease') :: ['PDA', 'patent ductus arteriosus'] @entity299 :: ('MESH:D006331', 'Disease') :: ['Cardiac deformation']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['Infants']
