Pulse Oximetry Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease: A Four-Year Experience in Qatar

Background: Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early postnatal detection using pulse oximetry screening (POCC) facilitates timely diagnosis and intervention. Objective: To evaluate the performance of POCC for detecting CCHD among newborns delivered at the Women’s Wellness and Research Centre, Qatar, between 2017 and 2020. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all live births between January 2017 and December 2020 was conducted. Data from screening registries and patient records were analysed using descriptive and comparative methods. Results: Of 68,150 live births, 141 CCHD cases were identified: 74 (52%) antenatally, 33 (23%) clinically, and 34 (24%) via POCC. Among POCC cases, eight were true positives and 26 false positives (positive predictive value 23.5%). Pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) was the most commonly identified lesion. Conclusion: POCC complements antenatal and clinical diagnosis, identifying silent but critical cases. Universal screening should remain standard practice to ensure early detection and improved outcomes.