Retrospective study of neonatal screening with pulse oximetry in a secondary care maternity hospital

Resumen

Objectives: To assess the incidence of abnormal pulse oximetry screening (CCHD screening) results in newborns and analyze its usefulness for the early detection of congenital heart diseases. Methods: This was a descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective study, conducted through the review of 3,282 medical records of newborns admitted between 2020 and 2022 in a secondary care maternity hospital in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected by a trained multidisciplinary team using a standardized form extracted from electronic medical records. Information was organized in Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with results presented as absolute and relative frequencies. Newborns who were transferred within 24 hours of life or who required oxygen therapy in the first 48 hours were excluded. Results: Of the 3,282 neonates evaluated, 10 (0.3 %) presented abnormal results on pulse oximetry screening. Of these, four cases were confirmed as congenital heart diseases, including patent foramen ovale, tricuspid regurgitation, and ventricular septal defect. The other six cases did not show relevant cardiac alterations after further examinations. Conclusion: Pulse oximetry screening proved to be a useful tool for neonatal screening and early detection of congenital heart diseases. Its implementation enables timely referral of newborns with abnormal findings to specialized services, which may contribute to reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of systematic pulse oximetry screening in secondary care maternity hospitals.