Pulse Oximetry Screening at 4 Hours of Age to Detect Congenital Heart Disease in Pak Kret Community Hospital

Abstract

Critical congenital heart disease is associated with cyanosis; untreated, it leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Pulse oximetry has been recognized as a promising screening tool for congenital heart disease. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to study the feasibility of implementation in a community hospital setting. Meetings were conducted to determine an implementation plan. Pulse oximetry was performed on the foot at 4 hours of age. Newborns with a saturation <95% were considered to be abnormal and were evaluated by the physician. If newborns were suspected to have congenital heart disease, they were, then, referred. For newborns who were referred, it was recommended that echocardiography be obtained to evaluate cardiac anatomy. From 1 January 2010 through 31 March 2012, 1773 newborns were screened. Of the five newborns with abnormal pulse oximetry screens, one had critical congenital heart disease; two had congenital heart disease; one had transient tachypnea of the newborn and one had sepsis. In conclusion; pulse oximetry is a safe, non-invasive test. It is likely to be useful for identification of congenital heart disease that would otherwise go undetected. The detection of other diseases such as respiratory and infective illnesses is an additional advantage.