Assessing myocardial strain pattern in a cohort of preterm neonates - A prospective observational study.

Assessment of myocardial function in neonates by strain analysis in echocardiography is a relatively new method. Although strain analysis is an established tool for myocardial function assessment in adults, it’s feasibility, application and interobserver variability are not studied in preterm neonates. We aim to study myocardial function in preterm neonates 32 weeks or less using this tool. Prospectively 100 neonates admitted to our Nicu will be studied at birth and then at multiple time points 1 week, 2 week, and then at 34 weeks. While echocardiography studies are performed at prespecified time points, strain analysis will be done only after the baby is discharged in an offline mode using the software q lab in a computer. The normal pattern of strain at various time points will be noted, and also whether strain pattern correlates with some major neonatal morbidities like BPD, hemodynamically significant PDA, need for transfusions, sepsis episodes with initropes requirement will be studied. Some of the study loops will be analysed for strain pattern by an external investigator and interobserver variability will be calculated.