Every year, approximately 150,000 babies are born in Paraná. Medical literature indicates that approximately 0.8% of these babies will be born with congenital heart diseases, that is, around 1,200 babies, and 400 of them will require surgery in the first few days of life and another 600 will require specialized monitoring. To ensure a more agile and efficient response to these cases, in March, Pequeno Príncipe Hospital signed a partnership with the Paraná State Department of Health to implement the Bate-Bate Coração program.

The proposal is innovative: Through a structured line of care and telemedicine between neonatal ICUs, the Hospital’s specialized team will be able to work remotely to diagnose, monitor and define procedures for babies with serious congenital heart disease throughout the state. The program includes the use of cutting-edge technology, such as telepresence robots for real-time interactions with local teams, secure sharing of exams and images, as well as specialized consulting in critical situations.

Read more about the Bate-Bate Coração program in the main article of the 2025 April edition of the Pequeno Príncipe News.

In this newsletter edition, you will also check the articles below. Click on the links to read the full length texts.

• Georgetown University strengthens its partnership with the Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute in pediatric oncology. In a technical report received in mid-March, the American university also highlighted the scientific infrastructure of the Research Institute and the Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, along with the high academic level of the College — comparable to U.S. institutions.
• Pequeno Príncipe launches an initiative to promote the preservation of the Iguaçu River — the largest river in the state of Paraná — and strengthen the connection between health and the environment. Called Rediscover and Revive the Iguaçu River, the initiative, rooted in the One Health concept, proposes a new way to view this natural treasure by integrating sports, education, science, and community action to highlight the connection between health and the environment.