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[Differences in the incidence of congenital heart defects in boys and girls]
Insights
Boys are more likely to have certain congenital heart defects, while girls are more prone to others. This study analyzed sex-based prevalence in 4,409 children with heart defects in Bohemia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Medical Statistics
Context:
- Congenital heart defects (CHDs) represent a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiological distribution of CHDs is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research indicates potential sex-based differences in CHD prevalence, but data varies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the sex distribution of various congenital heart defects in a large cohort.
- To identify specific heart conditions with a higher prevalence in either boys or girls.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 4,409 children born with heart defects in Bohemia between 1974 and 1983.
- Boys constituted 52.1% and girls 47.9%, with an overall boy:girl ratio of 1.09:1.
- Boys showed higher prevalence in conditions like double outlet right ventricle and hypoplastic left heart.
- Girls were more prevalent in patent ductus arteriosus and Ebstein's anomaly.
Impact:
- Provides valuable epidemiological data on sex-specific CHD prevalence.
- Highlights the need for sex-specific considerations in CHD research and clinical practice.
- Informs public health strategies for managing congenital heart disease in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
4,409 children born in Bohemia (1974-1983) with heart defect were distributed almost between 2,296 (52.1%) boys and 2,213 (47.9%) girls: The boy:girl ratio was 1.09:1. Boys prevailed in double outlet right ventricle (2.68:1), hypoplastic left heart (2.25:1), transposition of the great arteries (2.11:1), aortic stenosis (1.95:1), pulmonary atresia (1.55:1), tricuspid atresia (1.45:1), coarctation of the aorta (1.30:1) and the corrected transposition (1.25:1). Girls prevailed significantly in patent ductus arterious (1.66:1), Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve (1.57:1), truncus arterious (1.22:1), atrioventricular septal defect (1.17:1) and tetralogy of Fallot (1.12:1). The difference in the remaining heart defects was less than 10%.