Modern Strategy for Identification of Congenital Heart Defects in the Neonatal Period.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart defects are the most common congenital anomalies and occur with an incidence from 0.8 to 1% per 1000 live births. In recent years, the pulse oximetry has become a strong candidate for detecting cyanogen congenital heart defects and in combination with routine clinical exam can improve diagnostic of congenital heart diseases. OBJECTIVE: To apply the modern algorithm for early detection of congenital heart defects in order to improve the diagnosis in the neonatal period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study that included children born in Bihac Cantonal Hospital during 2012. The diagnostic algorithm included a clinical examination of the newborn, measuring of transcutaneous oxygen saturation with the pulse oximeter between 24 and 48 hours of life, and, in some cases, additional tests (cardiac ultrasound). RESULTS: A total of 1,865 children were examined. The application of diagnostic protocol identified the existence of congenital heart defects in 29 children. In re-evaluating the auscultator and ultrasound findings, we identified congenital heart defects in 19 children. CONCLUSION: The application of the modern algorithm for early detection of congenital heart diseases in the neonatal period can significantly improve the making of diagnosis of these anomalies. The concept is simple, inexpensive and applicable in most maternity wards.

Implementation of Congenital Heart Diseases Screening at the Bihac Cantonal Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart defects (CHD) were the most common birth defects, and the most common cause of death in infants with congenital anomalies in developed countries. Early detection of these anomalies would greatly enhance the effect of therapeutic procedures and the final outcome. Lately, pulse oximetry (PO) is used for the purpose of screening the cyanotic congenital heart defects. PO in combination with the clinical examination has greater diagnostic sensitivity in detection of CHD. OBJECTIVE: Application of PO screening in combination with a novel clinical examination methodology of cardiovascular system in neonate towards earlier detection of CHD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study included newborn children in Bihac Cantonal Hospital in the year 2012. The sample included 1,865 children. A total of 29 children with congenital heart disease was diagnosed during the neonatal period. CONCLUSION: Modern algorithm for early detection can significantly improve the diagnosis of congenital heart anomalies. Early detection allows optimal care for these children. This concept is simple, inexpensive and reproducible in most maternity wards.