Abstract

Management strategies for congenital heart disease (CHD) in the neonate have evolved significantly. Advances in surgical technique, medical technology, and perioperative care have resulted in excellent post-repair survival, even for complex types of CHD. Furthermore, with the increased availability and accuracy of prenatal diagnosis by fetal echocardiography, the postnatal management of these newborns can often be anticipated and planned. The prenatal diagnosis of CHD has been associated with decreased morbidity and mortality for some forms of major CHD. As most cases of major CHD are not identified prenatally, clinical examination of the newborn and pulse oximetry are also important means of identifying additional cases. In summary, to improve the outcomes of a neonate with CHD, surgical repair or catheter intervention may be offered. For this purpose, early recognition of a neonate with CHD is necessary for stabilization and timely intervention.