8. Conclusion:
Speckle tracking echocardiography is feasible technique for analyzing newborn myocardial systolic function. This study revealed the mean reference value for GLS -19.9 ± 1.2 and strain-derived EF 60 ± 2.7.Apical 4-chamber 2DSTE derived values for LV -LS and LV-EF may be used as a reasonable representative of the GLS and EF. Further prospective studies that include larger number of patients is needed to evaluate this novel modality and to compare the reference ranges to pediatric and adult population. follow up for those newborns is needed to evaluate the changes of myocardial strain as they grow up.
Authors contributions: Dr. K. Alnahili performed data collection and acquisition. Dr. S. Ahmad conceived the idea of the project and designed the final revision of the manuscript. Dr. N. Al raja assigned for data analysis and interpretation. Dr. E. Ahmed and Dr. I. Saleem contributed in writing and editing the manuscript.