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Seasonal differences in the incidence of congenital heart defects
Insights
Congenital heart defects occurred in 6.64/1000 live births in Bohemia. Infants born in October had the highest incidence, possibly linked to early pregnancy influenza epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Congenital heart defects (CHDs) represent a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology of CHDs is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous studies have suggested potential seasonal variations in CHD incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the incidence and seasonal patterns of congenital heart defects in a large cohort of live births.
- To identify any correlation between birth month and the occurrence of specific heart defects.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 664,218 children born between 1977 and 1984 in Bohemia.
- Children suspected of heart disease were evaluated at a specialized pediatric cardiology center.
- Autopsies were performed on deceased infants to confirm heart defects.
Main Results:
- A total of 4,409 infants (6.64 per 1000 live births) were diagnosed with CHDs.
- The incidence of CHDs showed statistically significant seasonal variation, peaking in October.
- Seasonal patterns differed among individual types of congenital heart defects.
Conclusions:
- A distinct seasonal variation in CHD incidence exists, with a notable peak in October.
- The findings suggest a potential link between early pregnancy influenza epidemics and increased CHD risk.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind seasonal variations in CHDs.
Abstract:
The incidence of congenital heart defects was studied prospectively in all 664 218 children born in 1977 to 1984. Those suspected of having a heart disease were examined at the centre specialized in pediatric cardiology. All children who died were autopsied and those where a heart defect was proved were included in our series. In total, 4409 infants (6,64/1000 live births) were born with a heart defect in Bohemia. Differences from one year to another were not statistically significant. The incidence of infants with a heart defect was highest in October, lowest in December, June and July (p less than 0.05). Seasonal incidence of individual forms of heart defects differed also. The seasonal variation was not influenced by the total number of live births. The high incidence of congenital heart defects in infants born in October and November coincides with the epidemics of influenza in early pregnancy.