Objective

To describe the results of pulse oximetry screening in the diagnosis of critical congenital heart diseases in newborns, in a health institution in Cucuta city, during 2018.

Method

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, with information collection prospectively, in which pulse oximetry was taken of 438 asymptomatic newborns at term who are on the fifth floor of the Erasmo Meoz University Hospital between 18 and 48 hours of life.

Results

Screening was negative in 99.1% of newborns and positive in 0.91%, this percentage corresponds to 4 patients who were asked for evaluation by pediatric cardiology and transthoracic echocardiogram; one of them was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries, other with moderate pulmonary hypertension, the remaining two patients were healthy and discharged.

Conclusions

Pulse oximetry as a screening test between 18 and 48 hours of life was essential to diagnose a transposition of the great arteries in an asymptomatic newborn, allowing timely treatment for a pathology that represents a great impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Additionally, it allowed the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in one of the neonates.

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