The Importance of Perinatal Follow-Up in the Management of Critical Congenital Heart Diseases: A Pediatric Heart Center Experience

<b>Objectives</b>: In the neonatal period, 25% of cases with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) require surgical or interventional palliative and corrective procedures. Prenatal diagnosis and timely intervention can positively impact neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study evaluated the effects of perinatal follow-up on the management of CCHD. <b>Methods</b>: The study was conducted on term neonates diagnosed with CCHD, who were monitored in the neonatology and pediatric cardiac intensive care unit between 1 January 2023 and 1 January 2024. The cases were categorized into CCHD with prenatal follow-up (Group I), CCHD born without follow-up at our hospital (Group II), and CCHD accepted from external centers (Group III). Neonatal mortality and morbidity outcomes of these cases that underwent surgical or interventional procedures were statistically evaluated. <b>Results</b>: During the study period, there were 280 neonatal cases (50% male). Among these cases, 30% were in Group I (<i>n</i> = 84), 20% in Group II (<i>n</i> = 56), and 50% in Group III (<i>n</i> = 140). The cesarean section rate was higher in Group I compared to the other groups (80% vs. 52% vs. 45%), and the preoperative lactate levels were lower (0.9 vs. 1.7 vs. 2.1). The anatomical diagnoses, ventricular physiology, operation time, and interventional procedure time were similar. After interventional or surgical procedures, morbidity (22% vs. 25% vs. 36%) and mortality rates (6% vs. 9% vs. 18%) were lower in Group I and Group II compared to Group III. <b>Conclusions</b>: All infants diagnosed with CCHD before birth should be delivered in a tertiary heart center, which positively contributes to neonatal mortality and morbidity. More effort is needed to improve prenatal screening programs.