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Adapted protocol for pulse oximetry screening for congenital heart defects in a country with homebirths

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Abstract

Pulse oximetry has been recommended for neonatal screening for critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) and is now performed in several countries where most births take place in hospital. However, there is a wide variation in perinatal care in European countries, and studies are now recommended to determine the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of CCHD screening in individual countries. In the Netherlands, a large part of births are supervised by a community-based midwife, at home or at policlinics. A screening protocol has been developed to fit into the Dutch perinatal setting, and also has the potential to increase safety in homebirths. Conclusion: the provided protocol might be useful for other countries that are planning to implement CCHD screening after homebirths or early discharge from hospital.

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Fig. 1

Abbreviations

CCHD:

Critical congenital heart defects

CHD:

Congenital heart defects

PO:

Pulse oximetry

SpO2 :

Saturation of peripheral oxygen

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Acknowledgments

Financial support for this study was provided through a research grant by Covidien (Dublin, Ireland). Covidien temporarily provided 53 portable Nellcor N-65 pulse oximeters with sensors and wraps to enable this study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

This study was approved by the Leiden Medical Ethics Committee in September 2013. Parental informed consent is obtained prior to inclusion of infants in the study.

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Correspondence to Ilona C. Narayen.

Additional information

Communicated by Patrick Van Reempts

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Narayen, I.C., Blom, N.A., Verhart, M.S. et al. Adapted protocol for pulse oximetry screening for congenital heart defects in a country with homebirths. Eur J Pediatr 174, 129–132 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-014-2371-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-014-2371-x

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