Audit of Pulse Oximetry Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (Cchd) in Newborns

Abstract BACKGROUND: UK data suggests that 25% of infants with CCHD are not diagnosed with heart disease until after discharge from the nursery (0.6 per 1000). In general SpO2 ≤ to 95% or a difference of upper and lower SpO2 of more than 3% in a newborn greater than 24 hours of age is considered significant. In March 2014 the Maternal Child Newborn Screening Committee of the Provincial Council for Maternal Child Health (PCMCH) recommended screening for critical congenital heart disease in Ontario. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and cost related parameters of a new screening protocol for CCHD. DESIGN/METHODS: An audit of consecutive healthy normal newborn patients over a one-year period was undertaken. RESULTS: The cost of screening estimated for our center was approximately $7.20 per patient. The median age of screening was 25 hours (6-80 hours). Four patients were screened positive and were seen by a paediatrician in consultation. No Echocardiograms were ordered. No child in this screening survey had CCHD (specificity 99.4%). The screening compliance was 94.7%. One patient from our regional catchment area was delivered at an alternate secondary level center where there is no CCHD protocol in effect. The infant was discharged home and returned to the primary level center two days later in shock. The ultimate diagnosis was Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The estimated cost of the resuscitation was $1000. The emergency transport (direct) cost for this unstable newborn by helicopter is estimated to be $5000.00. Conclusion: Cost analysis: The total direct costs of the CCHD screening program for a year is approximately $5200. The costs for the four patients who were falsely identified as having CCHD is estimated at $200. The total direct cost to the system of the one patient in our region who was not screened and was subsequently identified as having CCHD was estimated to be $6000. Assessment issues: In contrast to the US references, none of the false positive cases had an echocardiogram ordered. The cases were dealt with by utilizing a consultation with a paediatrician. Compliance with routine newborn orders: The screening compliance rate of 94.7%. CONCLUSIONS: A simple screening test for Critical Congenital Heart Disease was successfully undertaken in a secondary level center over a one-year period. The test was cost effective, with high specificity (99.4%) and good compliance (94.7%).

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