Electronic stethoscope for early screening of congenital heart disease

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of congenital heart disease is measured universally by means of colour doppler echocardiography method. We still depend on stethoscope based cardiac murmur auscultation method for screening purpose. Using electronic stethoscope could be the potential to eliminate waiting time, travel and reduce cost associated with the assessment of cardiac murmurs in children. Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate its clinical correlation. Methods: This was a cross sectional study performed in the Department of Paediatric Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) during the period July 2018 to December 2018. Following standard protocol of the Department of Paediatric Cardiology, NICVD, using electronic stethoscope auscultation done by paediatric cardiologist and heart sounds recorded for analysis. Echocardiography was also performed by paediatric cardiologist and diagnosis was compared with the analysis of heart sounds recorded by electronic stethoscope. Results: Out of 60 participants, normal heart sound was found in 17(28%) case and innocent murmur was found in 7 (12%) case. The pathological heart sound and murmur found in 36 participants. Conclusion: Electronic stethoscope may record and transmit heart sound efficiently for analysis and diagnosis of innocent or pathological murmur. It may also help to diagnose congenital heart disease (CHD). It has the potential for saving time and reducing inconvenience and cost which may incur if the patients are referred to a paediatric cardiologist without any judgment.