UK consultation on pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects in newborns

Abstract

Universal screening allows potentially life-threatening diseases to be detected while presymptomatic. UK neonatal mortality is rising and in 2015 was ranked 19th out of 28 European countries.1 Congenital anomalies and infections are the main causes of UK term neonatal mortality, and most deaths from congenital anomalies are from cardiac defects.2 Critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) occur in two per 1000 livebirths and, if undetected, can result in collapse and death following closure of the ductus arteriosus.