Pulse Oximetry Screening for Congenital Heart Defects

Pulse Oximetry Screening for Congenital Heart Defects

In the US, about 4,800 babies born each year have one of seven critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs).

The seven defects classified as critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) are hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia (with intact septum), tetralogy of Fallot, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, transposition of the great arteries, tricuspid atresia, and truncus arteriosus.

Babies with one these CCHDs are at significant risk for death or disability if their heart defect is not diagnosed and treated soon after birth. These heart defects among some babies potentially can be detected using pulse oximetry screening.

Pulse oximetry newborn screening can identify some infants with a CCHD before they show any signs. Once identified, babies with a CCHD can be seen by cardiologists and can receive specialized care and treatment that could prevent death or disability early in life. Treatment can include medications and surgery.

Pulse oximetry is a simple bedside test to determine the amount of oxygen in a baby's blood and the baby's pulse rate. Low levels of oxygen in the blood can be a sign of a CCHD. The test is done using a machine called a pulse oximeter, with sensors placed on the baby's skin. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes.

Screening is done when a baby is 24 to 48 hours of age. If the baby is to be discharged from the hospital before he or she is 24 hours of age, screening should be done as late as possible before discharge.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (SACHDNC).

SACHDNC was authorized by Congress to provide guidance to the HHS Secretary about which conditions should be included in newborn and childhood screening programs. SACHDNC also advises the Secretary on how systems should be developed to ensure that all newborns and children are screened and, when necessary, receive appropriate follow-up care.

Posted by George Daniels on Monday January 30 2012, 5:13 AM EST. Ref: CDC. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0