[Can we expect decreasing the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the population of premature neonates who had received antenatal steroid therapy?].

Objectives: The efficacy of antenatal steroid therapy (ANS--use with the recommendation from 1999; therapy repeated every 7-10 days; dexamethasone was used) on the incidence of RDS in neonates born before 34 weeks of gestation has been well documented in several studies. However, we know very little about the influence of ANS on patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Design: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of ANS on the incidence of PDA in neonates born before 35 weeks of gestation.

[The role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in assessment of left ventricular tract obstruction].

Twelve children with subaortic stenosis were analysed. Nine of them developed left ventricular outflow obstruction after surgery for congenital heart disease (VSD + IAA, VSD + DORV, VSD + TGA, VSD + CoA) and then developed an isolated form of primary stenosis. Both echocardiographic exams, TTE and TEE were performed in all patients.