In newborns with Down syndrome, which investigation is routinely performed to screen for congenital heart disease?

In newborns with Down syndrome, which investigation is routinely performed to screen for congenital heart disease?

• A. Echocardiography
• B. Chest X-ray
• C. EEG
• D. Abdominal ultrasound

Answer: (A)

Newborns with Down syndrome have a high risk of congenital heart disease, so the test that is routinely used to screen for these defects is echocardiography. This ultrasound-based imaging directly visualizes the heart’s structure—chambers, septa, and valves—and, with Doppler, assesses blood flow and pressures. It can detect common CHDs in Down syndrome, especially atrioventricular canal defects, as well as other anomalies, even if the baby looks well clinically. Early detection with echocardiography guides timely management and potential intervention, which is why this test is standard in these newborns. Chest X-ray, EEG, and abdominal ultrasound do not reliably screen for congenital heart disease.

Newborns with Down syndrome have a high risk of congenital heart disease, so the test that is routinely used to screen for these defects is echocardiography. This ultrasound-based imaging directly visualizes the heart’s structure—chambers, septa, and valves—and, with Doppler, assesses blood flow and pressures. It can detect common CHDs in Down syndrome, especially atrioventricular canal defects, as well as other anomalies, even if the baby looks well clinically. Early detection with echocardiography guides timely management and potential intervention, which is why this test is standard in these newborns. Chest X-ray, EEG, and abdominal ultrasound do not reliably screen for congenital heart disease.