We present our retrospectively collected data on transporting neonates with suspected or diagnosed CHD.
36 patients were transferred emergently from November 2006 to September 2008. 27 (75%) were neonates. Our transport team comprised of a pediatric cardiac registrar and a trained nurse. The mean age of neonates was 7.85± 7.1 days; mean weight was 2.89±0.55kg. 17/27 neonates (63%) were on PGE1 infusion during transport. 12/27 neonates were on Ionotropes. Prior to transport, our team attempted metabolic and hemodynamic stability. 23/27 newborns were on ventilator prior to transfer. During transfer, the intubated babies were placed on the neonatal resuscitator. The mean duration of transport from and to our PICU 2.5±2.3hrs (range 1.5-13).
There was no mortality during transport. There were no cases of emergency resuscitation in the ambulance. All neonates were found to be hemodynamically stable upon arrival to the PICU. 3/27 neonates were mildly hypothermic.
The major CHDs were TGA (6), large PDA (3), Duct dependant pulmonary circulation (8), coarctation (3).
In the same period 7 neonates came to our PICU without our transport team. PGE1 infusion was turned off inappropriately in 2 cases during transport. There were 2 tube dislodgments and 2 cases of metabolic acidosis. 5/7 babies were hypothermic.
Despite resource constraints, effective pre transfer management, a trained transport team and use of neonatal resuscitator enabled us to transport neonates safely. Efforts must be made to have uniform transport guidelines across the country for sick neonates with CHD.