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Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
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A population-based study of coarctation of the aorta: comparisons of infants with and without associated ventricular

D S Wollins1, C Ferencz, J A Boughman

  • 1American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, USA.

Teratology
|December 18, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Infants with coarctation of the aorta and ventricular septal defect (CoA/VSD) have higher mortality and more extracardiac anomalies than those with isolated coarctation of the aorta (CoA). This suggests distinct genetic and environmental factors influence these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Cardiovascular Malformations
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital cardiovascular malformation (CCVM).
  • CoA can occur with or without a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
  • Epidemiological differences between isolated CoA and CoA with VSD (CoA/VSD) are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare epidemiological features of isolated CoA versus CoA/VSD.
  • To identify potential risk factors and outcomes distinguishing these two conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study (1981-1989).
  • Compared 126 infants with pure CoA and 67 infants with CoA/VSD against 3,572 controls.
  • Employed multiple logistic regression to analyze risk factors and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • CoA/VSD cases showed higher rates of extracardiac anomalies (31% vs. 11%) and being small for gestational age (23% vs. 12%).
  • First-year mortality was significantly higher for CoA/VSD (21%) compared to pure CoA (7%).
  • Family history of CCVM and maternal organic solvent exposure were associated with both forms, while maternal epilepsy and macrodantin use were linked to pure CoA.

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest distinct genetic and environmental etiologies for pure CoA and CoA/VSD.
  • Further research into the specific causes of CoA and CoA/VSD is warranted.
  • Highlights the importance of considering associated defects in CCVM research.
Abstract

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