Newborn Screening Pulse Oximetry to Detect Critical Congenital Heart Disease: A Follow-Up Survey of Current Practice at Army, Navy and Air Force Hospitals.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to assess the evolution of newborn pulse oximetry screening (+POx) among Army, Air Force, and Naval military hospitals (MH), including prevalence, protocol use, quality assurance processes, access to echocardiography, and use of telemedicine. This is a follow-up from a prior study published in 2011.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An Internet-based questionnaire was forwarded to the chief pediatrician at MH worldwide which support newborn deliveries. Descriptive data were reported using percentages. Grouped responses, as applicable, were further compared using the chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight percent (36/46) of MH supporting deliveries worldwide responded to the survey (17 Army hospitals, 11 Navy Hospitals, 8 Air Force hospitals). All responding hospitals utilize +POx, of which 94% endorsed protocol compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Nine (25%) hospitals were located outside of the United States. Delivery volumes (infants per month) range between 1-49 (36%), 50-99 (28%), 100-199 (19%), and 200-300 (17%). Eleven hospitals reported regular review of +POx data, with most reviewing them monthly. Four MH share findings with state institutions. Ten hospitals either have a staff pediatric cardiologist or use tele-echocardiography for on-site evaluations. Ten hospitals are located greater than 60 miles from the nearest center with echocardiography capabilities. Of the five hospitals using tele-echocardiography, four confirmed critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) using this practice, and all five reported averting transfer of an infant using this technology. Of the 22 hospitals lacking the ability to obtain on-site echocardiography, 12 (55%) are interested in implementing a tele-echocardiography protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

All responding MH use +POx, representing significant increase from the 30% of MH reporting use of +POx seven years ago. The majority of MH follow AAP +POx guidelines, and though most have providers review results prior to discharge, only one-third report periodic chart review for quality assurance. Most MH transfer infants with positive +POx results for evaluation due to a lack of on-site echocardiography. Tele-echocardiography was reported as a potential solution to diagnose or rule out CCHD. Over half of remaining hospitals without cardiologists are interested in using this technology to evaluate stable infants with positive CCHD screening.