Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
An Evaluation of the Addition of Critical Congenital Heart Defect Screening in Georgia Newborn Screening Procedures
Shelby T Rentmeester1, Johanna Pringle2, Carol R Hogue3
1Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. Shelby.Rentmeester@emory.edu.
Insights
Georgia
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
- Screening Programs
Background:
- Critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs) affect approximately 7200 U.S. infants annually.
- Georgia mandated CCHD screening in January 2015.
- Hospital performance in CCHD screening post-mandate requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hospital performance of mandated CCHD screenings in Georgia.
- To analyze reporting rates and identify factors associated with screening compliance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DPH newborn screening surveillance data (6 months pre- and post-mandate).
- Chi-square tests to assess association between reporting and hospital nursery level (I, II, III) and NICU submissions.
- Evaluation of CCHD screening report submission and positive CCHD screening results.
Main Results:
- Screening reports increased post-mandate, but data for ~40% of newborns were missing.
- Hospitals with Level III nurseries showed poorer reporting rates than Level I or II.
- NICU submissions were less likely to include CCHD screening results than Labor & Delivery units.
Conclusions:
- Improvement needed in CCHD screening and reporting, especially in Level III nurseries and NICUs.
- Addressing compliance and reporting issues is crucial for improving newborn screening rates.
- Focus on vulnerable newborns to ensure equitable screening outcomes.
Abstract:
Objectives Each year in the U.S., approximately 7200 infants are born with a critical congenital heart defect (CCHD). The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) mandated routine screening for CCHD starting January 2015. The current study evaluated hospital performance of the mandated CCHD screenings in Georgia. Methods Utilizing the DPH newborn screening surveillance system, data from 6 months before and after the mandate were analyzed for reports submitted and positive CCHD screening results. Chi square tests of independence were performed to examine the association between reporting of results for CCHD screening after the mandate and hospital nursery level [level I (well-baby/newborn); level II (special care); level III (neonatal intensive care unit-NICU)] and NICU submissions. Results In the 6 months following implementation, reports of the screening increased, but the DPH had not received information for approximately 40% of newborns. Hospitals with level III nurseries had poorer reporting rates compared to hospitals with level I or II nurseries. Newborn screening (NBS) cards submitted by NICUs were less likely to contain the CCHD screening results compared to cards submitted by regular Labor and Delivery units. Conclusions for Practice Further attention should focus on improving both CCHD screening and reporting of screening results within hospitals with level III nurseries and from NICUs at all hospital levels. Identifying and addressing the root of the issue, whether it be hospital compliance with CCHD screening or reporting of the results, will help to improve screening rates for all newborns, especially those most vulnerable.
