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Additional Information

More information is available at carthage.edu/celebration-scholars/. The following are members of the Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee who are eager to listen to ideas and answer questions:

  • Thomas Carr
  • Katherin Hilson
  • Kim Instenes
  • John Kirk
  • Sarah Terrill

P11 - Factors Shaping Survival Outcomes in Newborns with Congenital Heart Disease

Name: Kyleigh Pittman
Major: Allied Health Science
Hometown: Trevor, WI
Faculty Sponsor: Laurie Jensen
Other Sponsors:  
Type of research: Senior thesis

Abstract

Factors Shaping Survival Outcomes in Newborns with Congenital Heart Disease
Kyleigh Pittman

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of infant mortality, necessitating improved diagnostic methods and comprehensive family support. This study reviews the effectiveness of various diagnostic tools, the impact of prenatal versus postnatal diagnosis timing, and the role of psychological support for families affected by CHD. This review aims to identify factors influencing survival outcomes in newborns with CHD. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing 20 peer-reviewed articles sourced from PubMed, MEDLINE, and JSTOR, focusing on studies published between 2005 and 2025. The extraction and analysis of data revealed three key themes: diagnostic tools, diagnosis time, and psychological support. The findings indicate that integrating multiple diagnostic methods, such as pulse oximetry, blood spot analysis, and echocardiography, enhances CHD detection rates. While prenatal diagnosis allows for early planning, it does not consistently improve survival and can increase parental distress. Psychological support is crucial, as both prenatal and postnatal diagnoses significantly affect family well-being. These results underscore the need for comprehensive newborn screening protocols, personalized care plans, and accessible psychological support services. Further research should focus on refining diagnostic combinations and evaluating long-term outcomes of psychological interventions to improve the survival and quality of life for infants with CHD and their families.

Poster file

Submit date: March 17, 2025, 3:27 p.m.

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