Relevance of the detection of complex congenital heart disease by screening with pulse oximetry in apparently healthy newborns in health establishments

A review is presented of data published in medical literature related to the screening used for the early detection of complex congenital heart disease in apparently healthy newborns in several cities of the world, including those reported in Mexico. The screening was performed due to the knowledge of the pathophysiology of indirect hypoxia data, observation of differential cyanosis and the consequent difference in the values of pre-and post-ductal pulse oximetry derived from the ductal and/ or atrial septal defect dependence of several severe congenital heart diseases. Multicentre research studies have also been carried out on a massive scale, thus justifying the usefulness of the practice for its daily implementation and at international level. Additionally, legislative topics are cited in our country as part of the efforts to establish the mandatory nature of the screening throughout the Mexican Republic. (C) 2018 Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chavez. Published by Masson Doyma Mexico S.A.