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Congenital heart disease in 740 subjects: epidemiological aspects
1Paediatric Cardiology Unit, King Fahad Hospital Hofuf, Al Hassa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. kidsecho@37.com
Insights
This study analyzed 740 children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Saudi Arabia, finding ventricular septal defect most common. Findings show variations in lesion types compared to global data.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a significant global health concern affecting newborns and infants.
- Understanding the prevalence and types of CHD is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a Saudi Arabian pediatric population.
- To compare the distribution of CHD lesions in this cohort with international findings.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 740 children diagnosed with CHD between March 1997 and February 2000.
- Data collected from the Paediatric Cardiology Unit at King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
- Analysis included patient demographics, age at diagnosis, and specific types of cardiac anomalies.
Main Results:
- Ventricular septal defect was the most frequent anomaly (39.5%), followed by atrial septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus.
- The majority of cases (53%) were diagnosed within the first year of life, with 24% being newborns.
- Fewer obstructive aortic lesions and a lower incidence of transposition of the great arteries were observed compared to other global reports. Down syndrome was the most common associated condition.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the epidemiological profile of CHD in Saudi Arabia, with common defects aligning with global trends.
- Noteworthy differences in lesion distribution, particularly fewer obstructive aortic lesions and rarer transposition of the great arteries, suggest potential regional variations.
- Early detection in infancy is critical, and associated conditions like Down syndrome require integrated care approaches.
Abstract:
Between March 1997 and February 2000, 740 children with congenital heart disease (CHD) were studied in the Paediatric Cardiology Unit of King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf in Saudi Arabia. There were 351 boys and 389 girls (M:F ratio 0.9:1). Newborns accounted for 24% of cases and 53% of cases were detected in the 1st year of life. Ventricular septal defect was the commonest anomaly (39.5%), followed in descending order of frequency by atrial septal defect, pulmonary stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus. In general, the distribution of lesions was similar to that reported elsewhere in the world but there were fewer obstructive aortic lesions and transposition of the great arteries was rarer than in most other reports. The incidence of CHD showed no seasonal variation and Down syndrome was the commonest associated cause.