Critical congenital heart disease detection in the ANDES: Challenges and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) poses significant global health equity challenges, requiring early intervention.
• Pulse oximetry screening (POS) has proven effective in reducing CCHD mortality through early detection and treatment.
• Andean America faces rising CHD mortality and inconsistent POS implementation, highlighting a critical care gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of CCHD in Andean America.
• To explore challenges and opportunities for developing altitude-specific POS algorithms.
• To present cost-effectiveness data supporting POS implementation and outline future strategies for equitable CHD care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of CCHD epidemiology and POS implementation in Andean America.
• Analysis of physiological factors affecting POS accuracy at high altitudes.
• Examination of economic data on POS cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Variable POS implementation and increasing CHD deaths noted in Andean America.
• Need for specialized POS algorithms accounting for high-altitude physiology identified.
• Evidence supporting the cost-effectiveness of POS for CCHD screening in the region.

Conclusions:

• Addressing CCHD in Andean America requires tailored POS strategies.
• Developing high-altitude POS algorithms is crucial for accurate screening.
• Implementing POS is a vital step towards achieving health equity in CHD care in the region.