The role of regional prenatal cardiac screening for congenital heart disease: A single center experience

Detecting Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Nevada

Background:

We reviewed data on patients born with critical congenital heart disease in the state of Nevada and analyzed detection via prenatal diagnosis versus newborn pulse oximetry screening, location of birth, and gestational age at birth.

Methods:

We inquired our databases and electronic health records for all patients with critical congenital heart disease born in Nevada between January 2016 and May 2019.

Results:

We identified 218 live born patients. Of the 218, average gestational age was 38 weeks (±2.2 weeks). Of the 218, 171 (78%) were prenatally diagnosed, 37 (17%) were diagnosed by immediate postnatal signs and symptoms, 8 (4%) had false-negative pulse oximetry screens that resulted in post-hospital discharge presentations, and 2 (1%) had positive pulse oximetry screens. The eight post-hospital discharge presentations included four in extremis, two with extreme cyanosis, and two dying at home. Of the 171 prenatally diagnosed patients, 157 (92%) were born at the Nevada hospital with the congenital cardiac unit.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, our results represent the highest statewide, general population prenatal detection of critical congenital heart disease in the United States. Our high prenatal detection rate led to the majority of patients being born at the Nevada facility with the congenital heart unit, limiting intrastate neonatal transports. On average, patients were born at term. Further, in Nevada, state-mandated, universal pulse oximetry screening resulted in more false-negative results than positive results

The role of cardiac surgeons in online prenatal counselling for congenital heart disease

Objective

To explore the role of cardiac surgeons in prenatal online counselling for congenital heart disease.

Methods

From January 2014 to December 2017, the author consulted on 400 cases of foetal cardiovascular abnormalities through the Good Doctor Online and WeChat online platforms. The author made appropriate pregnancy recommendations to patients and families using patient ultrasound reports and medical histories. Followed-up patients who chose to continue their pregnancy received postnatal advice.

Results

There were 248 simple cardiac abnormalities and 152 complex cardiac abnormalities. Foetal chromosome examination detected 2 cases of trisomy 21 syndrome and 26 normal cases. Two mothers (0.8%) of simple cardiac abnormality foetuses and 103 (67.8%) mothers of complex cardiac abnormality foetuses chose induced abortion. A total of 246 mothers of simple cardiac abnormality foetuses chose to continue pregnancy and had good postnatal prognosis. Twenty-six mothers of complex cardiac abnormality foetuses chose to continue pregnancy; among these, there were 4 intrauterine deaths, 22 births, 4 deaths while awaiting surgery and 18 successful surgeries.

Conclusion

The Good Doctor Online and WeChat platforms facilitate communication with a wide audience. Cardiac surgeons can reduce the birth incidence and improve prenatal consultations for severe congenital heart disease through these platforms.