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[Congenital heart disease associated with gastrointestinal malformations]

Ghassan Chéhab1, Hassan Fakhoury, Zakhia Saliba

  • 1Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté des Sciences médicales, Université Libanaise, Hadath, Grand Beyrouth, Liban. ChehabGh@cyberia.net.lb

Le Journal Medical Libanais. the Lebanese Medical Journal
|August 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Congenital gastrointestinal/abdominal wall anomalies occur with congenital heart disease in 38% of neonates. Consanguinity is a risk factor, and cardiac screening is vital for infants with GI/abdominal wall defects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Genetics

Context:

  • Congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract/abdominal wall and congenital heart disease (CHD) can co-occur.
  • Understanding the association and predisposing factors is crucial for early diagnosis and management.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the association between congenital gastrointestinal/abdominal wall malformations and CHD.
  • To identify predisposing factors for this co-occurrence in neonates.

Summary:

  • A study of 105 neonates found 38% had both gastrointestinal/abdominal wall and cardiac anomalies.
  • Esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistulas, and anal atresia were common GI issues, while ventricular septal defects were the most frequent cardiac anomaly.
  • Chromosomal anomalies were linked to atrioventricular septal defects and intestinal atresia; consanguinity was a risk factor, particularly for VACTERL syndrome.

Impact:

  • Highlights the significant co-occurrence rate of these congenital anomalies.
  • Emphasizes the need for thorough cardiac evaluation in neonates with gastrointestinal/abdominal wall defects, regardless of initial clinical presentation.
  • Identifies consanguinity as a significant risk factor, aiding in risk assessment for affected families.
Abstract

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