What is a murmur in a newborn?

A murmur in a newborn is characterized as an abnormal heart sound that occurs due to turbulent blood flow within the heart or great vessels. This turbulence can arise from various physiological conditions, such as the normal transitional circulation from fetal to postnatal life or potential underlying cardiovascular anomalies.

In newborns, murmurs are quite common and can vary in significance. While many murmurs in this population can be harmless and may resolve as the child matures, they warrant careful assessment to determine whether they indicate a physiological adaptation or an underlying pathology that may require further investigation.

Understanding murmurs is critical in neonatal intensive care, as it influences the management and treatment of neonatal patients. Thus, recognizing them as abnormal heart sounds due to turbulent blood flow emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluating these sounds in the clinical setting.