Detecting heart defects in newborn infants--innocent murmurs mixed with silent dangers.

UNLABELLED: Detection of severe heart defects without unnecessary delay is a primary task for providers of infant care. Screening is challenged by the fact that a normal physical examination after birth does not exclude severe defects. Shorter hospital stay for newborn infants and a reduced number of examinations may further hamper a successful mission. Reassuringly, most critical heart defects are reported to be identified early.

CONCLUSION: Increased awareness of the limitations of screening and continued monitoring of detection rates, as well as studies on how they can be improved, are warranted.