Implementation of diagnostic screening for congenital heart disease in Hidalgo, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: Implementing screening through pulse oximetry (PO) and a knowledge management model (KMM) for early detection of life-threatening congenital heart disease (CHD) in the neonatal period. Material and methods: Pilot study of PO implementation supported by clinical criteria performed in newborns at two public hospitals of Hidalgo State. Those who tested positive were referred for echocardiography and those diagnosed with critical CHD (CCHD) were referred to specialized hospitals for treatment. Results: 1748 newborns were screened: 29 positive, 62% with CHD and 13.8% with CCHD, one death, three referrals to palliative treatment. Conclusion: PO as a method of screening helps in early diagnosis of CHD added to clinical and echocardiography studies. KMM fosters innovation and resource management.