Pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects

Prediction of significant congenital heart disease in infants and children using continuous wavelet transform and deep convolutional neural network with 12-lead electrocardiogram

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects approximately 1% of newborns and is a leading cause of mortality in early childhood. Despite the importance of early detection, current screening methods, such as pulse oximetry and auscultation, have notable limitations, particularly in identifying non-cyanotic CHD. (AI)-assisted electrocardiography (ECG) analysis offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional CHD detection. However, most existing models have been trained on older children, limiting their generalizability to infants and young children. This study developed an AI model trained on real-world ECG data for the detection of hemodynamically significant CHD in children under five years of age.

METHODS

ECG data was retrospectively collected from 1,035 patients under five years old at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan (2013-2020). Based on ECG findings, patients were categorized into the following groups: normal heart structure (NOR), non-significant right heart disease (RHA), significant right heart disease (RHB), non-significant left heart disease (LHA), and significant left heart disease (LHB). ECG signals underwent preprocessing using continuous wavelet transformation and segmentation into 2-s intervals for data augmentation. Transfer learning was applied using three pre-trained deep learning models: ResNet- 18, InceptionResNet-V2, and NasNetMobile. Model performance was evaluated in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Among the tested models, the model based on ResNet-18 demonstrated the best overall performance in predicting clinically significant CHD, achieving accuracy of 73.9%, an F1 score of 75.8%, and an AUC of 81.0% in differentiating significant from non-significant CHD. InceptionResNet-V2 performed well in detecting left heart disease but was computationally intensive. The proposed AI model significantly outperformed conventional ECG interpretation by pediatric cardiologists (accuracy 67.1%, sensitivity 71.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the potential of AI-assisted ECG analysis for CHD screening in young children. The ResNet-18-based model outperformed conventional ECG evaluation, suggesting its feasibility as a supplementary tool for early CHD detection. Future studies should focus on multi-center validation, inclusion of more CHD subtypes, and integration with other screening modalities to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability.

Normal fetal echocardiography ratios - a multicenter cross-sectional retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

Normal fetal echocardiography ratios reflect blood flow balance and developmental patterns, providing a basis for more accurate diagnosis and prediction of congenital heart disease in fetuses. Despite its significance, standardized studies with ample samples are lacking. We aim to establish reference ranges for fetal cardiac structural parameters and hemodynamics using extensive multicenter data, including 11 ratios, and to clarify how these ratios change with gestational age.

METHODS

This is a multicenter cross-sectional retrospective study. 23,313 normal fetal echocardiographic examinations were enrolled from three medical centers. Analysis included 11 fetal cardiac-related ratios, such as right/left heart diameter ratio, mitral and tricuspid valve E/A-wave velocity ratio. To determine the reference ranges for various ratios across different gestational ages, a nonparametric quantile regression model, which does not presuppose normality, was utilized. The study investigated how the ratios change with gestational age by examining nonparametric regression plots and their first and second derivatives.

RESULTS

We established normal percentile reference ranges for 11 ratios at each gestational day. Analysis of ratio changes across gestation reveals several key patterns: The right heart system consistently dominates, with the right heart/left heart internal diameter ratio accelerating from 21.7 weeks of gestation; throughout fetal development, the E/A ratio of the mitral and tricuspid valves initially remains below one but increases progressively with gestational age, both reaching their maximum growth rates at week 25.7.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides new references for routine obstetric screening, may enhance the understanding of the growth and developmental patterns of normal fetal hearts.

The Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Echocardiographic Detection of Congenital Heart Defects in the Fetus: A Mini-Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining attention in radiology and cardiology for accurately diagnosing structural heart disease. In this review paper, we first outline the technical background of AI and echocardiography and then present an array of clinical applications, including image quality control, cardiac function measurements, defect detection, and classifications. Collectively, we answer how integrating AI technologies and echocardiography can help improve the detection of congenital heart defects. Particularly, the superior sensitivity of AI-based congenital heart defect (CHD) detection in the fetus (>90%) allows it to be potentially translated into the clinical workflow as an effective screening tool in an obstetric setting. However, the current AI technologies still have many limitations, and more technological developments are required to enable these AI technologies to reach their full potential. Also, integrating diagnostic AI technologies into the clinical workflow should resolve ethical concerns. Otherwise, deploying diagnostic AI may not address low-resource populations' healthcare access disadvantages. Instead, it will further exacerbate the access disparities. We envision that, through the combination of tele-echocardiography and AI, low-resource medical facilities may gain access to the effective detection of CHD at the prenatal stage.

Electrocardiogram screening for school children: a cross-sectional, population-based study

BACKGROUND

Identification of life-threatening arrhythmogenic disorders, which may present during infancy, childhood, or later stages, enables the early initiation of effective preventive therapies. Electrocardiogram (ECG) screening may detect conditions that elevate risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) at an early stage.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the prevalence, clinical significance, and characteristics of ECG abnormalities in a large population of schoolchildren. It also aims to determine whether ECGs performed during childhood can aid in the early detection of conditions associated with the risk of SCD.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A multicenter study conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh and Prince Sultan Cardiac Center-Qassim (PSCC-Q), Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

The study analyzed 12-lead ECGs performed on elementary school students 6-15 years old in Buraidah, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. ECGs were recorded and interpreted following international standards. Children with abnormal ECG results were referred for full pediatric cardiology evaluation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of normal and abnormal ECG findings, including long QT intervals.

SAMPLE SIZE

14 403 students.

RESULTS

During the study period, ECGs were performed on 14 403 students (53.8% females). The mean age was 9.5±1.9 years, and the mean weight was 32.1±16.1 kg. Abnormal ECGs were identified in 468 students (3.3%), 271 of whom had complete clinical evaluation, including repeat ECG and echocardiography. The most common ECG abnormality was a prolonged QTc interval. The overall prevalence of abnormal ECG findings ranged from 0.7% to 2.04%, with long QTc intervals (460 msec or more) found in 0.4% to 1.6% of students.

CONCLUSIONS

Long QTc intervals (460 msec or more) were the most common ECG abnormality in school children, with an estimated prevalence of 0.4% to 1.6%. This study may serve as a model for large-scale, community-based, 12-lead ECG screening programs for children.

LIMITATIONS

Causality cannot be derived given the design, the potential for false positive and false-negative results, and the lack of genetic studies for children with prolonged QT intervals.

2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2025 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2024 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. This year's edition includes a continued focus on health equity across several key domains and enhanced global data that reflect improved methods and incorporation of ≈3000 new data sources since last year's Statistical Update.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Prospective Evaluation of Pulse Oximetry Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease in a Jordanian Tertiary Hospital: High Incidence and Early Detection Challenges

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is among the major causes of global neonatal morbidity and mortality. While the incidence of CCHD appears to vary across populations, much of this variation may stem from differences in detection and reporting capabilities rather than true prevalence. In Jordan, recent data revealed a congenital cardiac disease incidence of 17.8/1000 live births, much higher than international averages. Diagnosis is largely dependent upon echocardiography, which is difficult to obtain in low-resource settings where prenatal screening modalities are limited. Screening for CCHD with pulse oximetry offers a potential method to identify patients earlier and contribute to improved outcomes.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study evaluated 20,482 neonates screened using pulse oximetry at Al-Bashir Hospital between January 2022 and May 2024. Demographic data, pulse oximetry measurements, and echocardiogram findings were collected during the screening process after obtaining ethical approval from the Jordanian Ministry of Health.

RESULTS

Pulse oximetry screening identified 752 neonates (3.7%) requiring further evaluation by echocardiography. An abnormality was detected in 240 neonates (31.9%), which included cardiac anomalies and pulmonary hypertension. Screening led to the identification of 138 infants with CCHD, including 80 with a previously unknown diagnosis, and an additional 247 infants with conditions requiring increased monitoring or treatment. Among those with CCHD, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Tetralogy of Fallot were the most common conditions, 3.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. The overall false positive rate was 1.8% and was higher among those screened at less than 24 h of life compared to those screened at or after 24 h of life (2.3% [95%CI 2.1-2.6] vs. 0.8% [95%CI 0.6-1.0], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulse oximetry screening successfully led to the early detection of CCHD among Jordanian neonates. There was a high prevalence of CCHD compared to other reported cohorts. This highlights the importance of implementing national screening protocols to improve early diagnosis and intervention. Future studies will inform the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of national implementation in this setting.

Association of the national level of human development with the incidence and mortality of congenital birth defects in 2019: A cross-sectional study from 189 countries

Congenital birth defects (CBD) play a significant role in causing child mortality globally. The incidence and mortality of CBD vary widely across countries, and the underlying causes for this divergence remain incompletely comprehended. We conducted an analysis to investigate the relationship between the incidence and mortality of CBD in 189 countries and their Human Development Index (HDI). In this study, CBD data from 189 countries was used from the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) 2019, and HDI data was collected for the same countries. Later, the relationship between CBD and HDI was analyzed, and the impact of gross national income (GNI) per capita, expected years of schooling, mean years of schooling and life expectancy at birth was quantified using principal component regression. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) varied between 66.57 to 202.24 per 100,000, with a 95% uncertainty interval (UI) of 57.20-77.51 and 165.87-241.48 respectively. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) also showed a rang from 1.38 to 26.53 (14.03-39.90) per 100,000, with the 95%UI of 0.91-2.09 and 14.03-39.90 respectively. Both the incidence and mortality rates of CBD decreased with the increased HDI (incidence: r = -0.38, p < 0.001, mortality: r = -0.77, p < 0.001). Our investigation revealed significant variations in the incidence and mortality of CBD among countries with different development levels. In conclusion, the global incidence and mortality of CBD vary significantly among countries, possibly due to differences in the accessibility of health services.

Pulse oximetry in pediatric care: Balancing advantages and limitations

BACKGROUND

Pulse oximetry has become a cornerstone technology in healthcare, providing non-invasive monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. Despite its widespread use, the technology has inherent limitations and challenges that must be addressed to ensure accurate and reliable patient care.

AIM

To comprehensively evaluate the advantages, limitations, and challenges of pulse oximetry in clinical practice, as well as to propose recommendations for optimizing its use.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies related to pulse oximetry and its applications in various clinical settings. Relevant articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.

RESULTS

Pulse oximetry offers numerous advantages, including non-invasiveness, real-time feedback, portability, and cost-effectiveness. However, several limitations and challenges were identified, including motion artifacts, poor peripheral perfusion, ambient light interference, and patient-specific factors such as skin pigmentation and hemoglobin variants. Recommendations for optimizing pulse oximetry use include technological advancements, education and training initiatives, quality assurance protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

CONCLUSION

Pulse oximetry is crucial in modern healthcare, offering invaluable insights into patients' oxygenation status. Despite its limitations, pulse oximetry remains an indispensable tool for monitoring patients in diverse clinical settings. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this review, healthcare providers can enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and safety of pulse oximetry monitoring, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of care.

Assessment of NanoString technology as a tool for profiling circulating miRNA in maternal blood during pregnancy

Aim

Circulating maternal MicroRNA (miRNA) is a promising source of biomarkers for antenatal diagnostics. NanoString nCounter is a popular global screening tool due to its simplicity and ease of use, but there is a lack of standardisation in analysis methods. We examined the effect of user-defined variables upon reported changes in maternal blood miRNA during pregnancy.

Methods

Total RNA was prepared from the maternal blood of pregnant and control rats. miRNA expression was profiled using Nanostring nCounter. Raw count data were processed using nSolver using different combinations of normalisation and background correction methods as well as various background thresholds. A panel of 14 candidates in which changes were supported by multiple analysis workflows was selected for validation by RT-qPCR. We then reverse-engineered the nSolver analysis to gain further insight.

Results

Thirty-one putative differentially expressed miRNAs were identified by nSolver. However, each analysis workflow produced a different set of reported biomarkers and none of them was common to all analysis methods. Four miRNAs with known roles in pregnancy (miR-183, miR-196c, miR-431, miR-450a) were validated. No single nSolver analysis workflow could successfully identify all four validated changes. Reverse engineering revealed errors in nSolver data processing which compound the inherent problems associated with background correction and normalisation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that user-defined variables greatly influence the output of the assay. This highlights the need for standardised nSolver data analysis methods and detailed reporting of these methods. We suggest that investigators in the future should not rely on a single analysis method to identify changes and should always validate screening results.

Gut Microbiome in Children with Congenital Heart Disease After Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery (GuMiBear Study)

The gut microbiome of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB) is at risk of profound alteration. The aim of this study was to examine the gut microbiome pre- and post-bypass surgery to explore potential implications of altered gut biodiversity. A prospective cohort study involving infants with CHD who underwent CPB was performed. Faecal samples were collected from infants alongside the collection of demographic and clinical data in order to examine gut microbiome changes before and after surgery. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis was performed on DNA isolated from stool samples to determine changes in gut microbiome composition. Thirty-three patients were recruited, with samples from thirteen of these available for final analysis. Compared with healthy, matched controls, at a genus level, pre-operative samples for infants with CHD demonstrated a higher relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella (31% vs 2-6%) and a lower relative abundance of Bifidobacterium (13% vs 40-60%). In post-operative samples, the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella (35%), Enterococcus (11%), Akkermansia (6%), and Staphylococcus (5%) were higher than pre-op samples. One infant developed post-operative necrotising-enterocolitis (NEC). They displayed a marked abundance of the Enterococcus (93%) genus pre-operatively. This study demonstrates that infants with CHD have an altered gut microbiome when compared with healthy controls and there might be a possible link between an abundance of virulent species and NEC.

[Neonatal screening for critical congenital heart diseases in Peru: an urgent call]

Congenital heart diseases are the most common congenital malformations worldwide and represent one of the leading causes of neonatal death, in addition to the significant use of human and financial resources by health systems. The purpose of this document is to support the implementation of neonatal screening for critical congenital heart diseases using pulse oximetry according to the different geographical altitudes of Peru. This technology is widely used worldwide and has high sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. At many latitudes, it has led to better survival in this group of patients and in the neonatal population in general since its use in the early detection of sepsis, pneumonia, and other conditions that affect the oxygenation of the newborn. Neonatal screening for critical congenital heart disease is applicable at all levels of healthcare at a national level, and its implementation must be a priority to improve neonatal health.

Newborn Screening for High-Risk Congenital Heart Disease by Dried Blood Spot Biomarker Analysis

Importance

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common human organ malformation, affecting approximately 1 of 125 newborns globally.

Objectives

Assessing the performance of 2 diagnostic tests using minimal amounts of dried blood spots (DBS) to identify high-risk CHD compared with controls in a Swedish cohort of neonates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This diagnostic study took place in Sweden between 2019 and 2023 and enrolled full-term babies born between 2005 and 2023. All cases were identified through centralized pediatric cardiothoracic surgical services in Lund and Gothenburg, Sweden. Controls were followed up for 1 year to ensure no late presentations of high-risk CHD occurred. Cases were verified through surgical records and echocardiography.

Exposure

High-risk CHD, defined as cases requiring cardiac surgical management during infancy due to evolving signs of heart failure or types in which the postnatal circulation depends on patency of the arterial duct. Using 3-μL DBS samples, automated quantitative tests for NT-proBNP and interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 (IL-1 RL1; formerly known as soluble ST2) were compared against established CHD screening methods.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Performance of DBS tests to detect high-risk CHD using receiver operating characteristic curves; Bland-Altman and Pearson correlation analyses to compare IL-1 RL1 DBS with plasma blood levels.

Results

A total of 313 newborns were included (mean [SD] gestational age, 39.4 [1.3] weeks; 181 [57.8%] male). Mean (SD) birthweight was 3495 (483) grams. Analyzed DBS samples included 217 CHD cases and 96 controls. Among the CHD cases, 188 participants (89.3%) were high-risk types, of which 73 (38.8%) were suspected prenatally. Of the 188 high-risk cases, 94 (50.0%) passed pulse oximetry screening and 36 (19.1%) were initially discharged after birth without diagnoses. Combining NT-proBNP and IL-1 RL1 tests performed well in comparison with existing screening methods and enabled additional identification of asymptomatic babies with receiver operating characteristic area under the curve 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93-0.98).

Conclusions and relevance

In this diagnostic study, NT-proBNP and IL-1 RL1 DBS assays identified high-risk CHD in a timely manner, including in asymptomatic newborns, and improved overall screening performance in this cohort from Sweden. Prospective evaluation of this novel approach is warranted.

Feasibility Analysis of ECG-Based pH Estimation for Asphyxia Detection in Neonates

Birth asphyxia is a potential cause of death that is also associated with acute and chronic morbidities. The traditional and immediate approach for monitoring birth asphyxia (i.e., arterial blood gas analysis) is highly invasive and intermittent. Additionally, alternative noninvasive approaches such as pulse oximeters can be problematic, due to the possibility of false and erroneous measurements. Therefore, further research is needed to explore alternative noninvasive and accurate monitoring methods for asphyxiated neonates. This study aims to investigate the prominent ECG features based on pH estimation that could potentially be used to explore the noninvasive, accurate, and continuous monitoring of asphyxiated neonates. The dataset used contained 274 segments of ECG and pH values recorded simultaneously. After preprocessing the data, principal component analysis and the Pan-Tompkins algorithm were used for each segment to determine the most significant ECG cycle and to compute the ECG features. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe the main properties of the processed dataset. A Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test was then used to analyze differences between the asphyxiated and non-asphyxiated groups. Finally, a Dunn-Šidák post hoc test was used for individual comparison among the mean ranks of all groups. The findings of this study showed that ECG features (T/QRS, T Amplitude, Tslope, Tslope/T, Tslope/|T|, HR, QT, and QTc) based on pH estimation differed significantly (p < 0.05) in asphyxiated neonates. All these key ECG features were also found to be significantly different between the two groups.

Cost-utility analysis of prenatal diagnosis of congenital cardiac diseases using deep learning

BACKGROUND

Deep learning (DL) is a new technology that can assist prenatal ultrasound (US) in the detection of congenital heart disease (CHD) at the prenatal stage. Hence, an economic-epidemiologic evaluation (aka Cost-Utility Analysis) is required to assist policymakers in deciding whether to adopt the new technology.

METHODS

The incremental cost-utility ratios (CUR), of adding DL assisted ultrasound (DL-US) to the current provision of US plus pulse oximetry (POX), was calculated by building a spreadsheet model that integrated demographic, economic epidemiological, health service utilization, screening performance, survival and lifetime quality of life data based on the standard formula: CUR = Increase in Intervention Costs - Decrease in Treatment costs Averted QALY losses of adding DL to US & POX US screening data were based on real-world operational routine reports (as opposed to research studies). The DL screening cost of 145 USD was based on Israeli US costs plus 20.54 USD for reading and recording screens.

RESULTS

The addition of DL assisted US, which is associated with increased sensitivity (95% vs 58.1%), resulted in far fewer undiagnosed infants (16 vs 102 [or 2.9% vs 15.4%] of the 560 and 659 births, respectively). Adoption of DL-US will add 1,204 QALYs. with increased screening costs 22.5 million USD largely offset by decreased treatment costs (20.4 million USD). Therefore, the new DL-US technology is considered "very cost-effective", costing only 1,720 USD per QALY. For most performance combinations (sensitivity > 80%, specificity > 90%), the adoption of DL-US is either cost effective or very cost effective. For specificities greater than 98% (with sensitivities above 94%), DL-US (& POX) is said to "dominate" US (& POX) by providing more QALYs at a lower cost.

CONCLUSION

Our exploratory CUA calculations indicate the feasibility of DL-US as being at least cost-effective.

Trends of mortality rate in patients with congenital heart defects in Germany-analysis of nationwide data of the Federal Statistical Office of Germany

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are still associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze trends of mortality rates in patients with CHD between 1998 and 2018 in Germany.

METHODS

Data of registered deaths with an underlying diagnosis of CHD were used to evaluate annual mortality between 1998 and 2018. Polynomial regressions were performed to assess annual changes in CHD-associated mortality rates by age groups.

RESULTS

During the 21-year study period, a total of 11,314 deaths were attributed to CHD with 50.9% of deaths in infants (age < 1 year) and 28.2% in neonates (age ≤ 28 days). The most frequent underlying CHDs associated with death were hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 1498, 13.2%), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 1009, 8.9%), atrial septal defects (n = 771, 6.8%), ventricular septal defects (n = 697, 6.2%), and tetralogy of Fallot (n = 673, 5.9%), and others (n = 6666, 58.9%). Among all patients, annual CHD-related mortality rates declined significantly between 1998 and 2010 (p < 0.0001), followed by a significant annual increase until 2018 (p < 0.0001). However, mortality rates in 2018 in all ages were significantly lower than in 1998.

CONCLUSION

Mortality in CHD patients decreased significantly between 1998 and 2010, but a substantial number of deaths still occurred and even significantly increased in the last 3 years of the observation period particularly in neonates and infants. This renewed slight increase in mortality rate during the last years was influenced mainly by high-risk neonates and infants. Assessment of factors influencing the mortality rate trends in association with CHD in Germany is urgently needed. Obligatory nationwide registration of death cases in relation to surgical and catheter interventions in CHD patients is necessary to provide additional valuable data on the outcome of CHD.

Enhancing Neonatal Care: The Vital Role of Pulse Oximetry in the Early Screening of Critical Congenital Heart Diseases and Respiratory Diseases in Rural Areas

Background Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is acknowledged globally as a noninvasive method to detect critical congenital heart diseases (CCHDs) and respiratory illnesses. However, its value for early diagnosis and treatment remains unrecognized in many hospitals with limited resources around the world. This study aimed to evaluate POS's application in CCHDs, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) for early diagnosis and its influence on clinical procedures in rural areas. Methods This prospective observational study included all eligible newborn infants in the regional neonatal unit of a community healthcare center. Their peripheral oxygen saturation was assessed at <24 hours and >24 hours after birth, in the right upper limb and either lower limb. An oxygen saturation of <95% or >3% difference between pre-ductal and post-ductal circulations was considered abnormal. All neonates with abnormal oxygen saturations at >24 hours after birth were subjected to another POS test within two hours of the last test. If the oxygen saturation was still abnormal, it was considered a positive POS test. The POS results were classified as oxygen saturation abnormal (<90%), abnormal (90-94%), and normal (≥95%). All neonates with a positive POS test were referred for echocardiography. Results Overall, 440 infants had documented POS results. A total of 65 (14.77%) infants had a positive POS test result, out of which 39 (8.86%) cases were diagnosed on further evaluation. Four neonates had CCHD (positive predictive value (PPV) = 6.15%), 26 had RDS (PPV = 40%), and nine had PPHN (PPV = 13.85%). Without any further delay, the doctor directed them all to a more advanced facility. Conclusion Our research showed that, in large-scale clinical settings, the addition of pulse oximetry to routine cardiac auscultation could be a reliable and feasible method to screen newborns for CCHD, PPHN, and RDS early on. Our research underscores the importance of implementing routine POS to detect CCHD, RDS, and PPHN in clinical practice.

A new algorithm DEtectS critical Congenital Heart Disease at different altitudes: ANDES-CHD study

BACKGROUND

Neonatal pulse oximetry screening (POS) algorithms for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) have contributed towards decreasing neonatal mortality but cannot be applied at high altitudes. New POS algorithms at high altitudes are needed.

METHODS

This observational, prospective study included newborns born at different altitudes from 0 to 4380 meters above the sea level in Peru. Healthy newborns underwent neonatal preductal and postductal oximetry, echocardiography and telephonic follow-up up to 12 months of age. Newborns with CCHD underwent preductal and postductal oximetry at the time of telemedicine evaluation while located at the high-altitude hospital where they were born, and their diagnoses were confirmed with echocardiography locally or after arriving to the referral center. Two new algorithms were designed using clinically accepted neonatal oximetry cutoffs or the 5th and 10th percentiles for preductal and postductal oximetry values.

RESULTS

A total of 502 healthy newborns and 15 newborns with CCHD were enrolled. Echocardiography and telephonic follow-up were completed in 227 (45%) and 330 healthy newborns (65%), respectively. The algorithm based on clinically accepted cutoffs had a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 73% and false positive rate of 27% The algorithm based on the 5th and 10th percentiles had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 88% and false positive rate of 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

Two algorithms that detect CCHD at different altitudes had adequate performance but high false positive rates.

2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening for Detecting Congenital Heart Disease: Experience at a Tertiary Care Center

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) remains the number one birth defect worldwide. Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is a widely used CHD screening modality effective in detecting critical lesions. This study is aimed at assessing the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of POS in a cohort of term well-babies admitted to a regular nursery in a tertiary care center.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of term babies admitted to our regular nursery over a period of one year. The results of POS and the findings of echocardiography were collected. Similarly, we explored the records of our fetal echocardiography program to identify the fetuses screened for CHD during the same period.

Results

900 term babies were born and admitted to newborn nursery at our center, and 69 fetuses were evaluated by our fetal cardiology team during the study period. None of our term babies had a positive POS at birth or 24 hours of age. However, 56 babies had a cardiac echo before hospital discharge due to suspicious findings on physical examination or a family history of CHD. A simple noncritical CHD was noted in 10 of them. Additionally, 53 babies underwent echocardiography within the first five years of life; a simple CHD was noted in 6 of them. In parallel, 21 of our fetuses were found to have CHD: 16 simple CHD and 5 critical CHD (CCHD).

Conclusion

Despite its cost-effectiveness and efficacy in screening for CCHD, POS is suboptimal for detecting simple CHD. In the absence of a proper prenatal screening and fetal echocardiography program, POS remains a cost-effective modality for detecting CCHD.

Detection of severe congenital heart defects in live-born infants in Norway 2017-2020

AIM

The aims of this nationwide retrospective cohort study were to determine the time and causes of detection of severe congenital heart defects (CHDs) in live-born infants in Norway between 2017 and 2020.

METHODS

Information regarding live-born infants with severe CHDs was retrieved from national registries and medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 219 776 infants were born in Norway from 01.01.2017 to 31.12.2020. Severe CHDs were diagnosed in 442 (0.2%) infants. Of these, 376 (85%) infants were diagnosed either prenatally (n = 203, 46%) or before discharge from hospital after birth (n = 173, 39%). A total of 56 (13%) infants were discharged with undetected CHDs. Time of detection was unknown in 10 cases (2%). The most frequent undetected CHDs at discharge were coarctation of the aorta/aortic arch hypoplasia (n = 24), atrioventricular septal defect (n = 13), anomalous pulmonary venous connection (n = 5) and coronary artery anomalies (n = 4). Seven (13%) children with undetected CHD experienced circulatory collapse out of hospital.

CONCLUSION

Most infants with severe CHDs in Norway were identified prior to hospital discharge. However, some infants were discharged undiagnosed. Awareness of undetected CHDs and immediate cardiac assessment in infants with signs of circulatory failure early in life are still important.

Clinically Relevant Genetic Considerations for Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot

Genetic changes affect embryogenesis, cardiac and extracardiac phenotype, development, later onset conditions, and both short- and long-term outcomes and comorbidities in the increasing population of individuals with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). In this review, we focus on current knowledge about clinically relevant genetics for patients with TOF across the lifespan. The latest findings for TOF genetics that are pertinent to day-to-day practice and lifelong management are highlighted: morbidity/mortality, cardiac/extracardiac features, including neurodevelopmental expression, and recent changes to prenatal screening and diagnostics. Genome-wide microarray is the first-line clinical genetic test for TOF across the lifespan, detecting relevant structural changes including the most common for TOF, the 22q11.2 microdeletion. Accumulating evidence illustrates opportunities for advances in understanding and care that may arise from genetic diagnosis at any age. We also glimpse into the near future when the multigenic nature of TOF will be more fully revealed, further enhancing possibilities for preventive care. Precision medicine is nigh.

Outcomes of neonatal critical congenital heart disease: results of a prospective registry-based study from South India

OBJECTIVES

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is now a leading contributor of infant and neonatal mortality in many low/middle-income countries including India. We established a prospective neonatal heart disease registry in Kerala to understand presentation of CHD, proportion of newborns with critical defects who receive timely intervention, outcomes at 1 month, predictors of mortality and barriers to timely management.

METHODS

The congenital heart disease registry for newborns (≤28 days) in Kerala (CHRONIK) was a prospective hospital-based registry involving 47 hospitals from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019. All CHDs, except small shunts with a high likelihood of spontaneous closure, were included. Data on demographics, complete diagnosis, details of antenatal and postnatal screening, mode of transport and distance travelled and need for surgical or percutaneous interventions and survival were collected.

RESULTS

Of the 1474 neonates with CHD identified, 418 (27%) had critical CHD, 22% of whom died at 1 month. Median age at diagnosis of critical CHD was 1 (0-22) day. Pulse oximeter screening identified 72% of critical CHD and 14% were diagnosed prenatally. Only 8% of neonates with duct-dependent lesions were transported on prostaglandin. Preoperative mortality accounted for 86% all deaths. On multivariable analysis, only birth weight (OR 2.7; 95% CI 2.1 to 6.5; p<0.0005) and duct-dependent systemic circulation (OR 6.43; 95% CI 5 to 21.8, p<0.0005) were predictive of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

While systematic screening, especially pulse oximetry screening, enabled early identification and prompt management of a significant proportion of neonates with critical CHD, important health system challenges like low use of prostaglandin need to be overcome to minimise preoperative mortality.

Can machine learning methods be used for identification of at-risk neonates in low-resource settings? A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Timely identification of at-risk neonates (ARNs) in the community is essential to reduce mortality in low-resource settings. Tools such as American Academy of Pediatrics pulse oximetry (POx) and WHO Young Infants Clinical Signs (WHOS) have high specificity but low sensitivity to identify ARNs. Our aim was assessing the value of POx and WHOS independently, in combination and with machine learning (ML) from clinical features, to detect ARNs in a low/middle-income country.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted in a periurban community in Pakistan. Eligible live births were screened using WHOS and POx along with clinical information regarding pregnancy and delivery. The enrolled neonates were followed for 4 weeks of life to assess the vital status. The predictive value to identify ARNs, of POx, WHOS and an ML model using maternal and neonatal clinical features, was assessed.

RESULTS

Of 1336 neonates, 68 (5%) had adverse outcomes, that is, sepsis (n=40, 59%), critical congenital heart disease (n=2, 3%), severe persistent pulmonary hypertension (n=1), hospitalisation (n=8, 12%) and death (n=17, 25%) assessed at 4 weeks of life. Specificity of POx and WHOS to independently identify ARNs was 99%, with sensitivity of 19% and 63%,respectively. Combining both improved sensitivity to 70%, keeping specificity at 98%. An ML model using clinical variables had 44% specificity and 76% sensitivity. A staged assessment, where WHOS, POx and ML are sequentially used for triage, increased sensitivity to 85%, keeping specificity 75%. Using ML (when WHOS and POx negative) for community follow-up detected the majority of ARNs.

CONCLUSION

Classic screening, combined with ML, can help maximise identifying ARNs and could be embedded in low-resource clinical settings, thereby improving outcome. Sequential use of classic assessment and clinical ML identifies the most ARNs in the community, still optimising follow-up clinical care.

Role of Perfusion Index and Pulse Variability Index in the Assessment of Neonatal Hemodynamics: A Systematic Review

Hemodynamic monitoring of neonates is crucial because neonates are easily and acutely susceptible to hemodynamic disturbances. As such, non-invasive monitoring of hemodynamics is preferable. It has been postulated that non-invasive pulse oximetry determines the perfusion index and pulse variability index and provides accurate measurements to predict hemodynamic changes in preterm or term infants. Equally, numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of perfusion and pulse variability indices in monitoring neonatal hemodynamics. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies that have delved into the role of perfusion and pulse variability indices in the assessment of neonatal hemodynamics. The study collected data from 2010-2023 using the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) search strategy using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Excerpta Medica database (Embase). A total of 616 articles were evaluated based on their appropriateness and relevance; we included seven studies. As per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review. Our study concluded that these indices were effective in measuring hemodynamics.

Incidence and types of congenital heart disease at a referral hospital in Jordan: retrospective study from a tertiary center

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and accounts for significant global morbidity and mortality. Relatively little is known about the epidemiology of CHD in Jordan or the manner in which CHD is identified.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review was conducted for all neonates who had an abnormal echocardiogram performed at a tertiary referral hospital. All included neonates had echocardiography performed by the same pediatric cardiologist at the discretion of the treatment team. Descriptive statistics were used to describe CHD incidence, types of CHD identified, and mechanism of identification.

Results

The incidence of congenital heart disease was 17.8 per 1,000 live births. This rose to 24.6 per 1,000 if patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants was included. The most common identified abnormalities were PDA, atrial septal defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension, septal hypertrophy, and ventricular septal defects. Most children were evaluated either for a murmur heard on exam or as a part of screening due to other comorbidities or risk factors. Less than 1% of children had a prenatal diagnosis. There was a higher rate of persistent pulmonary hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic than before (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There is a high incidence of CHD in Jordan. Increased prenatal and perinatal screening for CHD may allow for earlier detection.

Trajectories of oxygen saturation within 6-72 hours after birth in neonates at moderate altitude: a prospective longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Trajectories of pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) within the first few days after birth are important to inform the strategy for identifying asymptomatic hypoxemic disease but remain poorly substantiated at higher altitudes.

METHODS

We performed a longitudinal cohort study with consecutive neonates at a local hospital in Luchun County, China, at an altitude of 1650 m between January and July 2020. We repeatedly measured the pre- and post-ductal SpO2 values at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours after birth for neonates without oxygen supplements. All neonates underwent echocardiography and were followed up to 42 days after discharge. We included neonates without hypoxemic diseases to characterize the trajectories of SpO2 over time using a linear mixed model. We considered the 2.5th percentile as the reference value to define hypoxemic conditions.

RESULTS

A total of 1061 neonates were enrolled. Twenty-five had non-cardiac hypoxemic diseases, with 84% (21/25) presenting with abnormal SpO2 within 24 hours. One had tetralogy of Fallot identified by echocardiography. Among the 1035 asymptomatic neonates, SpO2 values declined from 6 hours after birth, reached a nadir at 48 hours, and tended to level off thereafter, with identical patterns for both pre- and post-ductal SpO2. The reference percentile was 92% for both pre- and post-ductal SpO2 and was time independent.

CONCLUSIONS

A decline within 48 hours features SpO2 trajectories within the first 72 hours at moderate altitude. Our findings suggest that earlier screening may favorably achieve a benefit-risk balance in identifying asymptomatic hypoxemic diseases in this population.

The 'Ironclad friendship' of China-Cambodia, lays the first step in the foundation of early diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic congenital heart Defects- A multi-national screening and intervention project, 2017-2020

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality in childhood worldwide. However, a large number of children with CHD are not diagnosed promptly in low- and middle-income regions, due to limited healthcare resources and lack the ability of prenatal and postnatal ultrasound examinations. The research on asymptomatic CHD in the community is still blank, resulting in a large number of children with asymptomatic CHD can not be found and treated in time. Through the China-Cambodia collaborative health care initiative, the project team conducted research, screened children's CHD through a sampling survey in China and Cambodia, collected relevant data, and retrospectively analyzed the data of all eligible patients.

OBJECTIVES

The project aimed to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic CHD in a sample population of 3-18years old and effects on their growth status and treatment outcomes.

METHODS

We examined the prevalence of 'asymptomatic CHD' among 3-18years old children and adolescents at the township/county levels in the two participating. A total of eight provinces in China and five provinces in Cambodia were analyzed from 2017 to 2020. During 1 year follow-up after treatment, the differences in heights and weights of the treated and control groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 3,068,075 participants screened from 2017 to 2020, 3967 patients with asymptomatic CHD requiring treatment were identified [0.130%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.126 -0.134%]. The prevalence rate of CHD ranged from 0.02 to 0.88%, and was negatively related to local per capita GDP (p = 0.028). The average height of 3310 treated CHD patients were 2.23% (95% CI: -2.51%~-1.9%) lower than that of the standard group and the average weight was - 6.41% (95% CI: -7.17%~-5.65%) lower, the developmental gap widening with advancing age. One year after treatment, the relative height difference remained comparable while that, in weight was reduced by 5.68% (95% CI: 4.27% ~7.09%).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic CHD now is often overlooked and is an emerging public health challenge. Early detection and treatment are essential to lower the potential burden of heart diseases in children and adolescents.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Changing epidemiology of congenital heart disease: effect on outcomes and quality of care in adults

The epidemiology of congenital heart disease (CHD) has changed in the past 50 years as a result of an increase in the prevalence and survival rate of CHD. In particular, mortality in patients with CHD has changed dramatically since the latter half of the twentieth century as a result of more timely diagnosis and the development of interventions for CHD that have prolonged life. As patients with CHD age, the disease burden shifts away from the heart and towards acquired cardiovascular and systemic complications. The societal costs of CHD are high, not just in terms of health-care utilization but also with regards to quality of life. Lifespan disease trajectories for populations with a high disease burden that is measured over prolonged time periods are becoming increasingly important to define long-term outcomes that can be improved. Quality improvement initiatives, including advanced physician training for adult CHD in the past 10 years, have begun to improve disease outcomes. As we seek to transform lifespan into healthspan, research efforts need to incorporate big data to allow high-value, patient-centred and artificial intelligence-enabled delivery of care. Such efforts will facilitate improved access to health care in remote areas and inform the horizontal integration of services needed to manage CHD for the prolonged duration of survival among adult patients.

Results of a strategy based on clinical observation of newborns at risk of early-onset neonatal sepsis

BACKGROUND

Serial clinical observation of asymptomatic newborns at risk of early-onset sepsis is an alternative option for which there is limited scientific evidence.

AIMS

To evaluate the rate of protocol compliance, the impact on blood tests, percentage of hospitalizations and subsequent procedures, and course of diagnosed early-onset sepsis cases of a protocol based on serial clinical observation.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study comparing an 18-month period under this protocol against a previous protocol based on laboratory tests.

SUBJECTS

6895 asymptomatic newborns with over 35 weeks of gestation.

OUTCOME MEASURES

number of evaluations performed on each subject at risk, percentage of patients undergoing blood draws and hospitalization rates.

RESULTS

Some of the evaluations included in the protocol were omitted in 51.6 % of the newborns undergoing the physical examinations. The implementation of this new approach was associated with a decrease in the percentage of patients undergoing blood draws from 16.8 % to 0.7 % (p < 0.001) with no differences in the progression of the five cases of sepsis studied in each period. The serial clinical observation protocol was associated with a significant increase in hospitalizations for suspected infection, although with no difference in the rate of lumbar punctures performed or antibiotic treatments administered.

CONCLUSION

Compliance with the serial clinical observation protocol can be difficult. This approach often detects newborns with abnormal clinical data that are not explained by early-onset sepsis. Clinical observation is a safe option that minimizes the rate of blood draws.

Application of the screening test principles to screening for neonatal hypoglycemia

Severe and prolonged neonatal hypoglycemia can cause brain injury, while the long-term consequences of mild or transitional hypoglycemia are uncertain. As neonatal hypoglycemia is often asymptomatic it is routine practice to screen infants considered at risk, including infants of mothers with diabetes and those born preterm, small or large, with serial blood tests over the first 12-24 h after birth. However, to prevent brain injury, the gold standard would be to determine if an infant has neuroglycopenia, for which currently there is not a diagnostic test. Therefore, screening of infants at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia with blood glucose monitoring does not meet several screening test principles. Specifically, the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of transient neonatal hypoglycemia are not well understood and there is no direct evidence from randomized controlled trials that treatment of hypoglycemia improves long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. There have been no studies that have compared the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of at-risk infants screened for neonatal hypoglycemia and those not screened. However, screening infants at risk of hypoglycemia and treating those with hypoglycaemic episodes to maintain the blood glucose concentrations ≥2.6 mmol/L appears to preserve cognitive function compared to those without episodes. This narrative review explores the evidence for screening for neonatal hypoglycemia, the effectiveness of blood glucose screening as a screening test and recommend future research areas to improve screening for neonatal hypoglycemia. Screening babies at-risk of neonatal hypoglycemia continues to be necessary, but as over a quarter of all infants may be screened for neonatal hypoglycemia, further research is urgently needed to determine the optimal method of screening and which infants would benefit from screening and treatment.

The implications of an integrated management model of prenatal diagnosis/postnatal treatment for premature infants with critical congenital heart disease-a case-control study

Background

The high death rate and medical costs of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in preterm infants has resulted in significant burdens on both countries and individuals. It is unclear how this affects the mortality of the integrated management model of prenatal diagnosis/postnatal treatment. This study explored the effects of the delivery classification scale for fetal heart and postnatal infants' CCHD on prenatal and postnatal integrated treatment strategies to improve the effectiveness of disease management in CCHD.

Methods

This study was a case-control study, which retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 79 preterm infants (<37 weeks) who underwent prenatal diagnosis and postpartum treatment in Guangdong Provincial People' s Hospital (China) from June 2017 to June 2019. According to the diagnostic and exclusion criteria, the subjects were divided into prenatal and postpartum diagnostic groups. The clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of patients were collected and compared. The delivery classification scale was used for risk stratification and patient management.

Results

Among the 79 patients included in this study, 48 (60.76%) were diagnosed prenatally, and 31 (39.24%) were diagnosed postpartum. The prenatal diagnosis group was born slightly earlier during the gestation period [35.00 (33.29-35.86) vs. 35.57 (34.14-36.71) weeks, P<0.05], and their mothers were older (33.23±5.22 vs. 30.43±6.37 years, P<0.05). The difference in the admission age between the groups was statistically significant [0 (0-5.5) vs. 7 (5-16) days, P<0.001]. The median survival time of the prenatal diagnosis group was higher than the postnatal diagnosis group [48 months (95% CI: 40.78-57.29) vs. 39 months (95% CI: 34.41-44.32), P<0.05]. The 3-year survival rates of the classes I, II, and III were 92.31% (12/13), 59.09% (13/22), and 38.46% (5/13), respectively. The survival of class I as denoted in the delivery classification scale was better than classes II or III (class I vs. II, P<0.05; class I vs. III, P<0.05). Unexpectedly, the hospitalisation costs were lower and total in-hospital days were shorter in the postnatal diagnosis group.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the integrated management of a prenatal diagnosis/postnatal treatment approach in premature infants may be effective. Furthermore, the delivery classification scale has a particular prognostic value for CCHD. The authors anticipate that their management model will be able to contribute to the shift from a reactive monodisciplinary system to a proactive, multidisciplinary and dynamic management paradigm in premature infants with CCHD in the near future.

Meta-DiSc 2.0: a web application for meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy data

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic evidence of the accuracy of a test for identifying a target condition of interest can be estimated using systematic approaches following standardized methodologies. Statistical methods for the meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies are relatively complex, presenting a challenge for reviewers without extensive statistical expertise. In 2006, we developed Meta-DiSc, a free user-friendly software to perform test accuracy meta-analysis. This statistical program is now widely used for performing DTA meta-analyses. We aimed to build a new version of the Meta-DiSc software to include statistical methods based on hierarchical models and an enhanced web-based interface to improve user experience.

RESULTS

In this article, we present the updated version, Meta-DiSc 2.0, a web-based application developed using the R Shiny package. This new version implements recommended state-of-the-art statistical models to overcome the limitations of the statistical approaches included in the previous version. Meta-DiSc 2.0 performs statistical analyses of DTA reviews using a bivariate random effects model. The application offers a thorough analysis of heterogeneity, calculating logit variance estimates of sensitivity and specificity, the bivariate I-squared, the area of the 95% prediction ellipse, and the median odds ratios for sensitivity and specificity, and facilitating subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Furthermore, univariate random effects models can be applied to meta-analyses with few studies or with non-convergent bivariate models. The application interface has an intuitive design set out in four main menus: file upload; graphical description (forest and ROC plane plots); meta-analysis (pooling of sensitivity and specificity, estimation of likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio, sROC curve); and summary of findings (impact of test through downstream consequences in a hypothetical population with a given prevalence). All computational algorithms have been validated in several real datasets by comparing results obtained with STATA/SAS and MetaDTA packages.

CONCLUSION

We have developed and validated an updated version of the Meta-DiSc software that is more accessible and statistically sound. The web application is freely available at www.metadisc.es .

Fifteen-minute consultation: Cardiac murmurs in the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)

The finding of a cardiac murmur on the initial newborn examination is common but may be a source of anxiety for practitioners due to worries about missing critical congenital heart defects (CHDs). This article aims to provide an approach to this common finding, in particular, reviewing the evidence base behind features of the history, examination and subsequent non-specialist investigations which may increase the likelihood of CHDs. The aim of this structured approach is to give clinicians confidence in dealing with this common clinical finding, to be able to pick out those infants most at risk of having critical CHDs.

Reduction of infant mortality from congenital heart defects in a middle-income country: Costa Rican experience

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze recent infant and neonatal mortality from congenital heart defects (CHD) in Costa Rica, a middle-income country where CHD mortality was above expectations.

METHODS

A descriptive analysis of infant and neonatal mortality rates from CHD (IMR-CHD and NMR-CHD) during 2000-2019 was performed, according to province, sex, specific CHD, and sub-period, using data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. We used joinpoint regression to identify any calendar-year where a significant change in trend occurred; the average annual percent change (AAPC) was determined. Using Poisson regression, marginal means and mortality ratios (MR) for IMR-CHD and NMR-CHD by sub-period (2000-2006-referent-, 2007-2013, 2014-2019) were estimated and compared using Wald's chi-square tests (α ≤ .05).

RESULTS

During 2000-2019, CHD accounted for 12% of overall infant mortality. IMR-CHD and NMR-CHD decreased linearly over the study period (AAPC = -3.4; p < .01). IMR-CHD decreased by 41%, from 13.6 per 10,000 in 2000-2006 (13.4% of infant mortality) to 8.1 per 10,000 in 2014-2019 (10% of infant mortality) (MR = 0.59; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.52-0.68). NMR-CHD decreased by 38%, from 7.9 per 10,000 in 2000-2006 (11.1% of neonatal mortality) to 4.9 per 10,000 in 2014-2019 (7.9% of infant mortality) (MR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.52-0.68). Male presented significantly higher NMR-CHD. The main causes of mortality (2014-2019) were total anomalous pulmonary venous connections, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and double inlet ventricle.

CONCLUSIONS

IMR-CHD, NMR-CHD, and their proportional contribution to mortality by all causes and by birth defects decreased significantly, demonstrating that all improvements implemented in the last decades have yielded favorable results.

Feasibility of screening for critical congenital heart disease using pulse oximetry in Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Screening of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) using pulse oximetry is a routine procedure in many countries, but not in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing CCHD screening with pulse oximetry for newborns in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at four hospitals in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Newborns aged 24-48 hours who met the inclusion criteria were screened on the right hand and left or right foot using a pulse oximeter. Positive results were indicated by: either (1) SpO2 level < 90% in one extremity, (2) SpO2 level of 90-94% in both right hand and either foot on three measurements conducted 1 hour apart, or (3) a saturation difference > 3% between the upper and lower extremity on three measurements conducted 1 hour apart. Positive findings were confirmed by echocardiography.

RESULTS

Of 1452 newborns eligible for screening, 10 had positive results and were referred for echocardiographic evaluation. Of those, 8 (6 per 1000 live birth, 8/1452) had CCHD. Barriers found during screening processes were associated with hospital procedures, equipment, healthcare personnel, and condition of the newborn.

CONCLUSION

Pulse oximetry screening might be feasible to be implemented within the routine newborn care setting for CCHD in Indonesia. In order to successfully implement pulse oximetry screening to identify CCHD in Indonesia, the barriers will need to be addressed.

Assessment of evidence on reported non-genetic risk factors of congenital heart defects: the updated umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the leading cause of birth defects globally, which results in a great disease burden. It is still imperative to detect the risk factors of CHD. This umbrella review aimed to comprehensively summarize the evidence and grade the evidence of the associations between non-genetic risk factors and CHD.

METHODS

Databases including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and four Chinese databases were searched from inception to 18 Jan 2022. The reference lists of systematic reviews (SR) and meta-analyses (MA) were screened, which aimed to explore the non-genetic risk factors of CHD. Subsequently, titles and abstracts of identified records and full texts of selected SR/MA were screened by two independent reviewers based on predefined eligibility criteria. A priori developed extraction form was used to abstract relative data following the PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed with the AMSTAR2 instrument. Data were synthesized using fixed-effects and random-effects meta-analyses, respectively. Finally, the evidence on the association of non-genetic risk factors and CHD was graded using Ioannidis's five-class evidence grade.

RESULTS

A total of 56 SRs, encompassing 369 MAs, were identified. The risk factors included relative factors on air pollution, reproductive-related factors, parental age and BMI, parental life habits, working and dwelling environment, maternal drug exposure, and maternal disease. Based on AMSTAR2 criteria, only 16% (9/56) of SRs were classified as "Moderate". One hundred and two traceable positive association MAs involving 949 component individual studies were included in further analysis and grading of evidence. Family genetic history, number of abortions, maternal obesity, especially moderate or severe obesity, decoration materials, harmful chemicals, noise during pregnancy, folic acid supplementation, SSRIs, SNRIs, any antidepressants in the first trimester, maternal DM (including both PGDM and GDM), and gestational hypertension were convincing and highly suggestive factors for CHD. After sensitivity analyses based on cohort studies, some grades of evidence changed.

CONCLUSION

The present umbrella review will provide evidence-based information for women of childbearing age before or during pregnancy to prevent CHD. In addition, sensitivity analysis based on cohort studies showed the changed evidence levels. Therefore, future SR/MA should concern the sensitivity analysis based on prospective birth cohort studies and case-control studies.

Establishing the reference interval for pulse oxygen saturation in neonates at high altitudes: protocol for a multicentre, open, cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Establishing the reference interval for pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is essential for sensitively identifying neonatal hypoxaemia due to various causes. However, the reference interval for high altitudes has not yet been established, and existing studies have many limitations. This study will aim to establish the reference interval for various high altitudes and determine whether preductal and postductal measurements at the same altitude vary.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre, open, cross-sectional study, which will begin in February 2022. Approximately 2000 healthy full-term singleton neonates will be recruited from six hospitals (altitude ≥2000 m) in Qinghai Province, China. The participating hospitals will use a uniform pulse oximeter type. The measurements will be performed between 24 hours after birth and discharge. During the measurement, the neonate will be awake and quiet. Preductal and postductal measurements will be performed. The measurement time, site and results will be recorded and input, along with the collected basic information, into the perinatal cloud database. We will carry out strict quality control for basic information collection, measurement and data filing. We will perform descriptive statistics on the distribution range of the collected data, determine the lower limit value of the reference interval for each hospital and the corresponding altitude, perform curve fitting for the lower limit value, use the altitude as a covariate for the function corresponding to the fitted curve, establish the prediction equation and ultimately determine the reference intervals of each high altitude location.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Our protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of all participating hospitals. We will publish our study results in academic conferences and peer-reviewed public journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05115721.

Pulse oximetry as a screening test for congenital heart disease in newborns

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) can be fatal if not diagnosed at the early phases of life. Available diagnostic tools for screening critical CHD are mostly invasive and costly.

AIM

The current study aimed to validate the use of pulse oximetry as a non-invasive and cost-effective tool to screen critical CHD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching institute. A total of 1,082 asymptomatic term neonates (aged 2-24 h) were screened by pulse oximetry and clinical examination for the detection of critical CHD. Neonates with abnormal pulse oximetry and clinical examination findings were subjected to confirm the presence of CHD.

RESULTS

The incidence of critical CHD in asymptomatic newborns was found to be 0.5% (5/1000 live births). Echocardiography confirmed five cases of critical CHD. Pulse oximetry alone could detect 80%, and clinical examination alone could detect 60% of the CHD cases, while combining both methods gave 100% detection rate.

CONCLUSION

Pulse oximetry is a simple, cost-effective, and reliable tool to diagnose critical CHD. In majority of the newborns who have not undergone fetal echocardiography, the underlying critical CHD can be missed, and in such cases, pulse oximetry screening offers an effective way to minimise the undiagnosed discharge risk.

Lessons Learned from Infants with Late Detection of Critical Congenital Heart Disease

Late detection of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is multifactorial and ill defined. We investigated the results of pulse oximetry screening (POS) and points in the care chain that contribute to delayed detection of CCHD. The medical records of 13 infants with delayed detection at a single pediatric cardiac center between 2013 and 2016 were identified and reviewed. Left heart obstructive lesions were the most common diagnosis (n = 8; 62%) and included coarctation of the aorta (n = 6), interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect (n = 1), and critical aortic stenosis (n = 1). Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) (n = 2), truncus arteriosus (n = 1), pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (n = 1), and total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (n = 1) made up the remainder of the conditions. Routine prenatal care was reported in most infants (10/13). Infants with late detection had either a true negative POS (10/13 infants) or no POS performed (3/13 infants). At the time of detection, 5/6 (83%) infants with coarctation had normal pulse oximetry values, whereas 6/7 (86%) infants with other CCHD developed abnormal pulse oximetry values. At diagnosis, 11/13 (85%) infants had significant signs or symptoms of clinical deterioration; only 2 infants were completely asymptomatic. Late detection of CCHD is uncommon and multifactorial. Eliminating late detection is dependent upon improving detection on screening obstetrical ultrasounds, enforcement of universal POS, and attention to the neonatal physical exam.

Lower pass threshold (≥93%) for critical congenital heart disease screening at high altitude prevents repeat screening and reduces false positives

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated first screen pass rate for two pass thresholds for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) oxygen saturation (SpO₂) screening at higher altitude.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort of 948 newborns underwent CCHD screening near sea-level (n = 463) vs 6250 ft altitude (n = 485) over 3 years. Standard SpO₂ pass threshold ≥95% and lower SpO₂ pass threshold ≥93% (high-altitude screen) were applied to first measurements to compare pass frequencies.

RESULTS

The median SpO₂ was lower in high-altitude newborns (96% vs 99%-p < 0.001). The high-altitude newborns passed the AAP algorithm first screen less often (89.3% vs 99.6%-p < 0.001). With the high-altitude algorithm, 98% of high-altitude newborns passed the first screen.

CONCLUSION

Lowering the SpO₂ pass threshold by 2% at >6000 ft, significantly increased first screen pass rate. Adjustments for altitude may reduce nursing time to conduct repeat measurements and prevent transfers for echocardiograms. Larger studies are necessary to assess impact on false negatives.

Peripheral Saturation and Perfusion Index on the First Day of Life Play a Role in Early Discharge of Healthy Term Newborns

INTRODUCTION

Pulse oximetry screening is a safe, feasible test, effective in identifying congenital heart diseases in otherwise well-appearing newborns. Uncertainties still persist on the most effective algorithm to be used and the timing of screening. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the pulse oximetry screening associated with the peripheral perfusion index performed in the first 24 hours of life for the early detection of congenital heart diseases and noncongenital heart diseases in the newborns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted. The enrollment criteria were as follows: term newborns with an APGAR score >8 at 5 minutes. The exclusion criteria were as follows: clinical signs of prenatal/perinatal asphyxia or known congenital malformations. Four parameters of pulse oximetry screening were utilized: saturation less than 90% (screening 1), saturation of less than 95% in one or both limbs (screening 2), difference of more than 3% between the limbs (screening 3), and preductal peripheral perfusion index or postductal peripheral perfusion index below 0.70 (screening 4). The likelihood ratio, sensibility, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for identification of congenital heart diseases or noncongenital heart diseases (suspicion of perinatal infection and any respiratory diseases) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The best predictive results for minor congenital heart disease were obtained combining screening 3 and screening 4 (χ ² (1) = 15,279; p < 0.05; OR = 57,900 (9,465-354,180)). Screening 2, screening 3, and screening 4 were predictive for noncongenital heart diseases (χ ² (1) = 11,550; p < 0.05; OR = 65,744 (10,413-415,097)). Combined screenings 2-4 were predictive for both congenital heart disease and noncongenital heart disease (χ ² (1) = 22,155; p < 0.05; OR = 117,685 (12,972-1067,648)).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining peripheral saturation with the peripheral perfusion index in the first 24 hours of life shows a predictive role in the detection of minor congenital heart diseases and neonatal clinical conditions whose care needs attention.

Utility of pulse-oximetry screening in newborns with nonductus-dependent cyanotic congenital heart defects: A reason to alarm?

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare the performance of pulse-oximetry screening in detecting nonductus-dependent cyanotic congenital heart defects (CCHDs).

METHODS

In a prospective cross-sectional study, we recorded post ductal saturation of neonates (<48 h old) born at a community hospital in northern India. Subsequently, all underwent clinical examination and echocardiogram by a trained cardiologist. A saturation <95% was considered a "failed" screen.

RESULTS

Ten neonates were identified to have nonductus-dependent CCHD on echocardiogram, five of whom had passed pulse-oximetry screen. This translated to a sensitivity of 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.7%-76.3%) and a positive predictive value of 0.08 (95% CI 0.03-0.2), both of which were significantly less compared to that in ductus-dependent congenital heart defect.

CONCLUSIONS

Up to half of the nonductus-dependent CCHD may be missed if screened only using pulse oximetry. Parents should not be reassured regarding the absence of CCHD only based on a "pass" in pulse-oximetry screening.

Enhanced Critical Congenital Cardiac Disease Screening by Combining Interpretable Machine Learning Algorithms

Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening that only uses oxygen saturation (SpO2), measured by pulse oximetry, fails to detect an estimated 900 US newborns annually. The addition of other pulse oximetry features such as perfusion index (PIx), heart rate, pulse delay and photoplethysmography characteristics may improve detection of CCHD, especially those with systemic blood flow obstruction such as Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA). To comprehensively study the most relevant features associated with CCHD, we investigated interpretable machine learning (ML) algorithms by using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) to identify an optimal subset of features. We then incorporated the trained ML models into the current SpO2-alone screening algorithm. Our proposed enhanced CCHD screening system, which adds the ML model, improved sensitivity by approximately 10 percentage points compared to the current standard SpO2-alone method with minimal to no impact on specificity.Clinical relevance- This establishes proof of concept for a ML algorithm that combines pulse oximetry features to improve detection of CCHD with little impact on false positive rate.

Newborn pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects

We looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence addressing the effectiveness of pulse oximetry effective for detecting critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) in newborns. We also looked at the impact of timing of oximetry and the site of testing in the accuracy of screening, and at the potential harms and limitations of pulse oximetry screening,

We conducted a literature search up to the 13^th of August 2019 by using key terms and manual search in selected sources. We summarized the recommendations and the strength of the recommendation when and as reported by the authors. We summarized the main findings of systematic reviews with the certainty of the evidence as reported.

Current evidence supports consistent accuracy for detection of CCHDs in newborns by pulse oximetry screening in addition to antenatal ultrasonography and clinical examination. Overall, early diagnosis of CCHD with pulse oximetry is judged to be beneficial and cost-effective, and potential harms associated with false-positive tests are not serious, while missing CCHDs and other serious diseases detected by hypoxaemia in absence of pulse oximetry screening can lead to serious consequences. The site of testing (post-ductal versus pre- and post-ductal) had no significant effect on sensitivity nor specificity for detection of CCHDs.

Impacts of prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart diseases on outcomes

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart diseases (CHD) is increasingly performed in developed countries. Still, the current impacts of prenatal diagnosis on fetal and neonatal outcomes remains unclear or contradictory. We will review here the different consequences of prenatal screening and of fetal echocardiography on different categories of outcomes. Increasing detection may lead to a reduced birth incidence of severe complex CHD through a high rate of termination of pregnancy but this trend is not universal. Conversely, one of the main impacts of prenatal diagnosis is to optimize perinatal care and to improve hard outcomes such as mortality. Indeed, decrease of neonatal mortality is inconsistently observed in transposition of the great arteries and is not shown in other defects. The reduction of perinatal morbidity is a new end-point to scrutinize but how to examine this impact is controversial in the neonatal period. The influence of the reduction of neonatal distress may modify neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of survival. The risk stratification after a prenatal diagnosis of CHD helps to optimize the timing, mode, and site of management with the aim to improve outcomes. The anticipated care is tailored according to the type of CHD and expected initial physiology. However, the imprecision of prenatal diagnosis even in expert centers hampers this logical outcome. Prediction of the type of repair is theoretically possible but remains challenging in defects such as double outlet right ventricles or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect. The cost of prenatal diagnosis or of its absence is still a matter of debate and policies have to be tailored to regional health systems. Finally, the impact on parents and siblings is a rarely explored outcome. Screening and echography of fetal heart are currently performed in developed countries but it is still too early to talk about fetal cardiology.