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Published on: June 30, 2023
Prognostic indices in childhood heart failure
1Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
West African Journal of Medicine
|February 18, 2006
Summary
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.
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