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[Regional differences in the prevalence of congenital heart defects]
M Samánek1, Z Slavík, J Balatka
1Specializované pracovistĕ dĕtské kardiologie a kardiochirurgie, Fakultní nemocnice, Praha-Motol.
Insights
This study investigated congenital heart defects in over 664,000 infants in Bohemia. Regional variations in prevalence suggest environmental factors may influence the development of these heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Prospective study of 664,218 live births in Bohemia from 1977 to 1984.
- Utilized autopsies and specialized center examinations for diagnosis.
- Established a baseline for congenital heart defect prevalence in the region.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) across different regions of Bohemia.
- To identify potential regional disparities in CHD occurrence.
- To explore the influence of environmental factors on CHD etiology.
Summary:
- Overall prevalence of CHDs was 664 per 100,000 live births.
- Significant regional variations were observed, with Prague having the highest rate (957.9/100,000) and West Bohemia the lowest (515.1/100,000).
- The distribution of specific CHD categories also varied significantly by region.
Impact:
- Highlights significant regional differences in CHD prevalence and types.
- Provides evidence supporting the role of environmental factors in the etiology of congenital heart defects.
- Informs public health strategies and further etiological research for CHDs.
Abstract:
Prevalence of congenital heart diseases was studied prospectively in all 664,218 infants live born in Bohemia from 1977 to 1984. All children who died were autopsied and those suspected of having a heart disease were examined at the specialized center. In total, 664/100,000 infants were born with a heart defect, most of them in Prague (957,9/100,000) and in Central Bohemia (739.4) and in Northern Bohemia (619.3). The lowest prevalence was found in West Bohemia (515.1/100000 live births). The relative frequency of congenital heart defect categories differed significantly among regions. Evidence of regional differences in prevalence of congenital heart diseases and their forms suggests that environmental factors can play an important role in the etiology of congenital heart defects.