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The status of pediatric cardiology at a tertiary center in Lebanon
Mariam Arabi1, Marianne Majdalani, Maria Atoui El Hajj
1Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Insights
Pediatric cardiology in Lebanon has advanced, with comprehensive services and research now available. Centralizing facilities is key to improving care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Research
- Tertiary Healthcare Services
Background:
- Cardiac disease significantly impacts child morbidity and mortality.
- Pediatric cardiology services are crucial for managing congenital and acquired heart conditions in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current state of pediatric cardiology at a tertiary center in Lebanon.
- To outline clinical services, research, and educational activities in pediatric cardiology within a developing country context.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical services, research, and educational activities at the Children's Heart Center, American University of Beirut Medical Center.
- Analysis of pediatric cardiac disease epidemiology and treatment outcomes in Lebanon.
Main Results:
- Lebanon performs approximately 650 interventions annually for congenital heart disease, with over 425 requiring treatment.
- Nearly all interventional catheterization procedures and around 300 pediatric cardiac surgeries are performed yearly.
- The in-hospital surgical mortality rate for congenital heart disease (CHD) was 2.6% in 2008, indicating improving care standards.
Conclusions:
- Accurate identification of cardiac disease, its epidemiology, and outcomes is vital for effective pediatric cardiac care.
- Centralizing pediatric cardiology facilities can enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes.
Problem:
Cardiac disease, both congenital and acquired, contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in children.
Methods:
This article describes the status of pediatric cardiology at the Children's Heart Center in the American University of Beirut Medical Center. It addresses the available clinical services as well as the research and educational activities that are present at a tertiary center in Lebanon, a developing country with a population of 4 million.
Results:
Lebanon has witnessed major developments in the field of pediatric cardiology over the past few years. About 650 babies are born with heart disease every year, with more than 425 needing treatment. Nearly all types of interventional catheterization procedures are currently being performed. About 300 open and closed pediatric cardiac surgeries are performed per year in Lebanon. In 2008, the in-hospital surgical mortality rate at our center was 2.6%, reflecting the good level of care in the treatment of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Lebanon. Basic research in the field of pediatric cardiology is emerging at our center. Our team has been studying the effect of chronic hypoxemia on the neonatal myocardium in an animal model of chronic hypoxia, as well as the study of molecular basis of CHD.
Conclusion:
Appropriate identification of cardiac disease, its epidemiology, and outcome is of utmost importance in guiding adequate care. Centralization of facilities is important to improve results and level of care.
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