Critical congenital heart disease.

We have reviewed the outcome in 94 infants who underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization in the 1st month of life during the period 1976-1980. Eighty-three were shown to have congenital heart disease, and in nearly 50% further active intervention was attempted. Mortality directly related to catheterization was only 1%, although hospital mortality after surgery was 44%, and overall mortality was 53%. The prevalence of cardiac abnormalities encountered has remained unchanged over the past 10 years, but there has been a gradual improvement in prognosis. Factors contributing to this are discussed.