Heart failure in children studied in relation to its causes and outcome

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Published on: July 18, 2014

Sumita Pal1, Rita Chatterjee, Dipak Kumar Patra

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Medical College, Kolkata 700073.

Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|December 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Congenital heart disease is a major cause of pediatric congestive heart failure (CHF). This study in Kolkata found congenital heart disease in 34% of pediatric CHF cases, with a 2.85% mortality rate.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF) in children presents unique etiological challenges.
  • Understanding the causes and outcomes of pediatric CHF is crucial for effective management.
  • Previous studies have highlighted various factors contributing to pediatric heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the primary causes (aetiology) of congestive heart failure in children.
  • To investigate the outcomes, including mortality, of pediatric congestive heart failure.
  • To establish the prevalence of different heart conditions and associated factors in pediatric CHF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted in the pediatric medicine department.
  • Involved 350 children aged 0-12 years with documented signs and symptoms of heart failure.
  • Utilized history taking, physical examination, chest X-ray, ECG, and echocardiography for diagnosis and management.

Main Results:

  • Congenital heart disease was identified as the cause in 34% of cases.
  • Acquired heart disease accounted for the remaining cases.
  • Anemia was present in 17.4% of the children, and the overall mortality rate was 2.85%.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital heart disease is a significant contributor to pediatric congestive heart failure.
  • Acquired heart conditions and anemia are also important etiological factors.
  • The study highlights the need for early diagnosis and comprehensive management of pediatric CHF to improve outcomes.

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