Anxiety levels in parents of asymptomatic neonates and young infants referred for echocardiography

Previous studies in children with innocent murmurs have shown that parental concern is common.We assessed the anxiety levels among parents of asymptomatic neonates or infants up-to 6 weeks referred for cardiologic consultation because of a heart murmur. A six-item short-form of the state scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was completed by the parents before and after consultation.The average STAI score decreased from...