Pulse Oximetry Improves Detection of Cardiac Abnormalities in Newborns

Cardiovascular anomalies are the most common congenital malformations, but many cases are not diagnosed during the immediate newborn period, primarily because newborns are discharged early, before the malformations are apparent. Duct-dependent cardiac lesions are especially difficult to diagnose before discharge now that most newborns are discharged before 72 hours of life, which is about when the ductus arteriosus closes. Early detection of cardiac abnormalities could help limit complications, such as respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, and even sudden death. In a large, prospective, multicenter study, researchers examined whether adding pulse oximetry screening to the routine neonatal discharge examination improves detection of duct…