Implementing Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening in Rural Karnataka, India

Presenter: Aneesha Pydi

Universal CCHD screening was implemented at Vivekananda Memorial Hospital (VMH) through collaboration with pediatricians, trainees, and nurses by providing pulse oximetry equipment, conducting virtual training on its use, and teaching an AAP-endorsed screening algorithm. 76 of 77 new-borns born at VMH were screened; one new-born required emergent transfer at delivery. Ten infants who initially failed screening passed on repeat; six were initially lost to follow-up but were retested after staff re-education. Screening rates increased from 0% to 99%, with 100% adherence to the algorithm.

The program established a local electronic health record and referral process. Approximately 500 new-borns are expected to be screened annually at VMH, with about 50 expected to fail initial screening and about 5 diagnosed with congenital heart disease, facilitating rural-urban healthcare collaboration.

American Academy of Paediatrics National Conference & Exhibition 2025 (AAP 2025), 26-30 September 2025, Denver