CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE SCREENING AND WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common defect in neonates , occurs in about 1% of total newborns delivered. CHD relates to improper formation of neonatal heart and great blood vessels. There are many CHD, including mild to severe condition. A severe CHD requires urgent treatment for the best outcome. Treatment may include a procedure and surgery.
 
► Why does CHD screening need?

Fetal echocardiography can detect some cases of CHD , but it does not mean all cases of CHD can be found prenatally. Without postnatal screening, newborns with CHD can be missed at hospital discharge as their healthy appearance.  At home, these newborns can get worse and require emergency treatment. However, with early detection,  they can receive prompt treatment and  live a healthier life.  
 
► When does CHD screening need?

24-48 hours after delivery or before hospital discharge.

► How is CHD screening carried out?

Pulse oximetry is used for CHD screening in neonates. It is carried out quickly, easily and cause no harm to neonates. A small sensor is attached to the newborn's right hand and one leg to measure the oxygen level in the blood. CHD screening is performed at least 24 hours postpartum or later. Screening is done when the newborn is warm and quiet. If the baby is crying, moving, irritating, or cold, the screening will take longer. Screening will also need to repeat occasionally.  
 
► What happens if oxygen saturation (SpO2) is low?

Babies with hypoxemia may have CHD. Respiratory abnormalities or infections can also trigger hypoxemia. Doctors will carefully examine the baby and indicate echocardiogram for CHD screening.
 
► What should parents pay attention to normal screening result?
 

In healthy babies, SpO2 level fluctuates from 95% to 100%, SpO2 difference between the right hand and leg is less than 4%. A baby with CHD may have a normal SpO2, so a normal screening result does not rule out CHD completely.

The critical signs of CHD require parents’ attention including: pale mucosa, grunting respiration, tachypnea, poor appetite and slow weight gain.
 
If you notice any of these signs, immediate consultation with pediatric cardiologist is advised to screen for CHD.
 

 
At American International Hospital (AIH), all newborns born at the hospital will be examined and received health checkup including: CHD screening, SpO2; bilirubin measurement; newborn hearing screening; hepatitis B, tuberculosis vaccination, and Vitamin K. Simultaneously, pediatricians will daily provide clinical exam  to closely monitor newborns’ health condition  since they are born.
 
For further details about Pediatric - Neonatal health check and care program, please contact the Hotline (028) 3910 9999 or Inbox https://m.me/aih.com.vn!
 
Pediatrics – Neonatology, AIH provides in full of pediatric medical services, including general health check-up, vaccination, monitoring children’s physical and mental developments, nutrition consultation, diagnostic and therapeutic services.
 
Outpatient pediatrics in the AIH is divided into two separate areas: one for athletic children and another for sick kids in the purpose of patient classification to avoid cross-contamination. Especially, according to Covid-19 screening procedure, newborns with suspected symptoms will be transferred to a separate consulting areas, thereby screening and isolation procedures are applied initially.