CCHD Screening Implementation Efforts in Latin American Countries by the Ibero American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN)

Abstract

by Augusto Sola,Susana Rodríguez,Alejandro Young,Lourdes Lemus Varela,Ramón Mir Villamayor,Marcelo Cardetti,Jorge Pleitez Navarrete,María Verónica Favareto,Victoria Lima,Hernando Baquero,Lorena Velandia Forero,María Elena Venegas,Carmen Davila,Fernando Dominguez Dieppa,Taína Malena Germosén,Ada Nidia Oviedo Barrantes,Ana Lorena Alvarez Castañeda,Mónica Morgues,Aldana Avila,Diana Fariña,add Show full author list
Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2020, 6(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns6010021 - 17 july 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4671
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is among the four most common causes of infant mortality in Latin America. Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is useful for early diagnosis and improved outcomes of critical CHD. Here, we describe POS implementation efforts in Latin American countries guided and/or coordinated by the Ibero American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN), as well as the unique challenges that are faced for universal implementation. SIBEN collaborates to improve the neonatal quality of care and outcomes. A few years ago, a Clinical Consensus on POS was finalized. Since then, we have participated in 12 Latin American countries to educate neonatal nurses and neonatologists on POS and to help with its implementation. The findings reveal that despite wide disparities in care that exist between and within countries, and the difficulties and challenges in implementing POS, significant progress has been made. We conclude that universal POS is not easy to implement in Latin America but, when executed, has not only been of significant value for babies with CHD, but also for many with other hypoxemic conditions. The successful and universal implementation of POS in the future is essential for reducing the mortality associated with CHD and other hypoxemic conditions and will ultimately lead to the survival of many more Latin American babies. POS saves newborns’ lives in Latin America. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Developing Countries)
8 pages, 1008 KiB
Open AccessArticle