Recognition of Undiagnosed Neonatal Heart Disease.

Heart defects are the most common congenital malformation. Approximately 8000 infants per year in the United States require diagnosis in the newborn period to avoid severe injury or death. It is incumbent on the neonatologist and pediatrician to expeditiously detect the presence of symptomatic heart disease so that infants can be stabilized before cardiovascular decompensation. Evaluating infants and further categorizing them into the particular pathophysiology are necessary to stabilize them in anticipation of more definitive care by the pediatric cardiac team.