Detection of critical congenital heart disease among newborns in Argentina through the national surveillance system of congenital heart disease (RENAC)

Abstract

Introduction. Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a term that refers to ductus-dependent structural anomalies of the heart that may be fatal or require invasive management in the first month of life. Objective. To know the prevalence and distribution of CCHD among newborns in Argentina, compared to other countries, and the proportion of prenatal detection and perinatal mortality. Material and methods. Data provided by the National Network of Congenital Anomalies (Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas de Argentina, RENAC) for the 2009-2018 period and by other surveillance systems in the United States, Europe, and Colombia were used. For Argentina, the proportion of prenatal detection, perinatal mortality, and CCHD prevalence in newborns by jurisdiction and health system subsector were analyzed. Results. The prevalence of CCHD was 11.46 (95% confidence interval: 11.02-11.92) every 10 000 births. Prenatal detection was possible in 43.93% of cases, and perinatal mortality was 25%. Tetralogy of Fallot was the most frequent specific defect. The prevalence of CCHD and percentage of prenatal detection was significantly lower in the public subsector, whereas perinatal mortality was higher in this subsector. The prevalence of CCHD was lower than in the United States (NBDPN) and European (EUROCAT) registries. The Bogotá Registry showed different specific prevalence values. Conclusion. The prevalence of CCHD is lower than what has been observed in other countries, and even lower in the public sector of Argentina. The need to improve prenatal detection and implement pulse oximetry among newborns as a mandatory and universal screening is emphasized. Key words: congenital heart disease, Argentina, prevalence, prenatal diagnosis, mortality.