Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Clinical Application of Phase Angle and BIVA Z-Score Analyses in Patients Admitted to an Emergency Department with Acute Heart Failure
04:05

Clinical Application of Phase Angle and BIVA Z-Score Analyses in Patients Admitted to an Emergency Department with Acute Heart Failure

Published on: June 30, 2023

Prognostic indices in childhood heart failure

S I Omokhodion1, I A Lagunju

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

West African Journal of Medicine
|February 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Childhood heart failure in Nigeria has a high mortality rate, often caused by preventable conditions like infections and anemia. Factors such as young age and other diseases worsen the prognosis for pediatric heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood heart failure (CHF) is a significant cause of illness and death in developing nations.
  • While treatments have improved outcomes in developed countries, CHF prognosis remains poor in the developing world.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the short-term prognosis of pediatric heart failure.
  • To identify factors influencing outcomes in children with heart failure admitted to University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study of 100 consecutive pediatric heart failure cases over 10 months.
  • Diagnosis based on at least three cardinal signs: tachypnea, tachycardia, hepatomegaly, cardiomegaly.
  • Daily follow-up until a definitive outcome was determined.

Main Results:

  • Leading causes included acute respiratory infections (36%), severe anemia (28%), and congenital heart disease (25%).
  • The case-fatality rate was 24%.
  • Poor prognostic indicators included age (<1 or >5 years), acute respiratory infections, rheumatic heart disease, and renal disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric heart failure in Nigeria, often stemming from preventable causes, carries an unacceptably high mortality rate.
  • Early identification and management of underlying conditions are crucial for improving outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure05:16

Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Published on: June 10, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...