Cardiac evaluation of the newborn.

The physical examination of the term newborn's cardiovascular system is reviewed detailing the normal and abnormal variants that can be found within the first few days after birth. The authors discuss the pathophysiologic changes that occur in the presence of congenital heart disease and how these changes affect the clinical presentation. The major common cardiac defects are described and discussed. Pulse oximetry screening is reviewed in detail indicating its value in the early detection of most cases of critical congenital heart disease. Finally, the reader is given several suggestions on diagnosis, stabilization, and when to refer to specialists. Published by Elsevier Inc.