Congenital heart defect screening

Congenital heart defect (CHD) screening in pediatrics utilizes advanced ultrasound techniques to identify structural heart abnormalities in newborns and infants. This vital early detection process often involves pulse oximetry and targeted echocardiography, crucial for assessing cardiac function and anatomy. Pediatric cardiologists rely on precise ultrasound imaging to visualize blood flow, valve integrity, and chamber dimensions, ensuring prompt diagnosis and intervention for CHDs.

Effective pediatric CHD screening significantly improves outcomes by enabling timely medical or surgical management. Ultrasound’s non-invasive nature makes it an ideal tool for these sensitive examinations, minimizing discomfort for young patients while providing high-resolution images. This proactive approach helps healthcare providers identify and address potentially life-threatening conditions, optimizing the long-term health and development of children with congenital heart defects.

Clinical Author

Dr. Emma Khabure is an experienced Family Physician in Kenya with a dedicated focus on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) across clinical settings. Over the past 3 years, Dr. Emma Khabure has integrated ultrasound into everyday patient care, diagnosing and guiding management at the bedside. She is currently an Instructor at GUSI and serves in the Clinical Education and Quality Improvement team at GUSI.

In addition to clinical work, Dr. Emma Khabure is passionate about ultrasound education and capacity building. She has been involved in leading workshops and training programs locally, mentored trainees in ultrasound skills, and contributed to curriculum development in imaging and POCUS. Her academic interests in POCUS include the utilization of bedside ultrasound in resource-limited settings and integrating AI in ultrasound.

Dr. Emma Khabure sees ultrasound not only as a diagnostic tool but as an extension of the physical exam — empowering clinicians to make safer, faster decisions. Her goal is to expand access to high-quality ultrasound training globally, especially in resource-limited settings.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Emma Khabure enjoys traveling and family time which helps recharge and maintain balance in her day-to-day life.

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As a [Specialty] clinician, POCUS has completely changed how I practice. GUSI’s training gave me the confidence to make faster, more accurate decisions for my patients.

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