Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects, affecting around eight out of every 1,000 newborns. Among these, critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) impacts approximately three per 1,000 infants and can be life-threatening if not detected early. In the United States, newborn screening for CCHD using pulse oximetry has saved hundreds of lives annually since it was implemented in 2011.
Pulse oximetry is a simple, painless, and noninvasive test that measures oxygen levels in the blood. It is a critical tool in detecting serious heart conditions that may not be immediately visible after birth. Some congenital heart defects cause oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix, leading to low oxygen saturation, which can be identified through pulse oximetry screening. Babies with CCHD may appear healthy but can develop severe complications if their condition goes undetected.
Studies show that screening for CCHD reduces infant mortality by 33% in cases of CCHD and 22% in cases of CHD in states where screening is mandatory. The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated screening guidelines to improve the accuracy and ease of performing pulse oximetry tests. This test, when combined with prenatal ultrasound and clinical examination, increases the detection rate of CCHD to nearly 98%.
At New Born Care Centre, Dr. Shrawan Kumar ensures that every newborn undergoes thorough screening for congenital heart defects. His expertise in neonatal care allows him to closely monitor newborns and identify early warning signs of CCHD. By using advanced pulse oximetry technology, Dr. Kumar and his team can detect oxygen level abnormalities and initiate timely medical interventions to prevent complications.
Dr. Shrawan Kumar emphasizes parental awareness and guidance in neonatal care. He educates parents about the importance of CCHD screening and the potential signs of heart defects, such as bluish skin, difficulty feeding, or lethargy. At New Born Care Centre, parents receive detailed information on the screening process, results, and necessary follow-up actions if abnormalities are detected.
CCHD screening should be performed at around 24 hours of age or just before hospital discharge. The test involves measuring oxygen saturation in the baby’s right hand and one foot. If the reading is 95% or higher in both extremities with a difference of 3% or less, the baby passes the screening. If the oxygen level is below 90%, the infant requires immediate medical evaluation. Intermediate readings require repeat testing after one hour. If the baby fails the screening twice, further assessment, including an echocardiogram, is needed.
Besides detecting heart defects, pulse oximetry can also help identify respiratory and infectious conditions affecting newborns. Routine pulse oximetry screening has been a game-changer in neonatal care, significantly improving survival rates for babies with congenital heart disease. With Dr. Shrawan Kumar’s expertise and commitment to newborn health, parents at New Born Care Centre can trust that their little ones receive the best possible start in life.