THE ROLE OF PULSE OXIMETRY IN THE EARLY DETECTION OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN NEONATES BEFORE HOSPITAL DISCHARGE

Abstract

Objectives: Infant screening for congenital heart disease (CHD) includes a straightforward bedside test called pulse oximetry. Low degrees of oxygen in the blood can be an indication of a critical CHD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of pulse oximetry in the early detection of asymptomatic CHD in new borns before discharge from Hospital.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study conducted on 3151 term neonates first stage of SPO2 was performed 2-12 hours after birth. If SPO2 was < 95%, premeasured within the first 12 to 24 hours of life.  If the neonates maintained their SPO2 <95, they shifted to pediatric cardiologist for echocardiography. For the statistical analyses, SPSS 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used. The significant level considered less than 0.05.

Results: From 3151 neonates, 29 individuals had SPO2<95% in which 26 went under echocardiography and 3 missed. In these neonates 22 had CHD. The SPO2 had a diagnostic value of 85%. Maternal age and neonates’ height at birth not changed based on healthy status and SPO2 levels. Gestational age had no association with healthy status and SPO2 levels, when maternal Diseases and weight at birth had a significant association with SPO2 levels at the second stage and health status.

Conclusion: From the present study concluded that a high and acceptable diagnostic value of 85% found for SPO2 to detect CHD in neonates in the first 24 hours of life.  The factors of maternal diseases and weight at birth had a significant effect in this issue.