Physiologic diagnosis of congenital heart disease in cyanotic neonates.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aim to improve diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) with cyanosis by physiology for general practitioners to reduce time to appropriate treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS: New implementation of the critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) pulse oximetry screen has improved rate of diagnosis of CHD in recent years. However, many infants with cyanotic heart lesions often decompensate before screening in the newborn nursery, or have lesions that are not amenable to pulse oximetry screening and that present later in the emergency room. Recent literature has shown preoperative acidosis because of delayed diagnosis of cyanotic CHD worsens outcomes postoperatively. Wide availability of prostaglandin therapy and catheter procedures help to preoperatively stabilize critical cardiac patients. With a firm grasp of the underlying physiology of neonatal cyanotic CHD, practitioners can appropriately implement these therapies more judiciously. This early recognition will subsequently improve overall outcomes.

SUMMARY: Physiologic diagnosis of CHD with cyanosis by general practitioners will allow initiation of appropriate management more quickly and effectively. This may avoid progressive clinical decompensation and acidosis until cardiology consultation and potential intervention are available.