Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
07:34

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System

Published on: May 5, 2018

Increased morbidity and mortality in very preterm/VLBW infants with congenital heart disease

Angelo Polito1, Simone Piga, Paola E Cogo

  • 1Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.

Intensive Care Medicine
|March 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) in very preterm/very low birth weight (VLBW) infants increase the risk of death and serious morbidities. These findings aid in tailoring care for these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are a significant concern in neonatal care.
  • Very preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants represent a vulnerable population with unique health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between congenital heart diseases (CHD) and in-hospital mortality and morbidity in very preterm/very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
  • To determine if CHD independently increases the risk of adverse outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study (ACTION) included 3,684 infants with gestational age 22-31 weeks or birth weight <1,500 g.
  • Congenital heart diseases (CHD) were coded using ICD9-CM.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between CHD and mortality/morbidity, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Congenital heart diseases (CHD) were identified in 71 infants (19.3 ‰).
  • CHD patients had higher gestational age and increased frequency of being small for gestational age (SGA).
  • Adjusted analyses revealed significantly higher likelihood of infection, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and hospital mortality in CHD infants.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are more prevalent in very preterm/VLBW infants than in the general liveborn population.
  • CHD independently confers an increased risk of death and serious morbidities in this cohort.
  • Findings support improved prognostic assessment and tailored interventions for preterm infants with CHD.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management01:19

Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management

The nursing management of Mitral Valve Prolapse, or MVP, centers around patient education, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.Patient Education on MVP Diagnosis and Heredity: Nurses should provide comprehensive education about MVP, a condition where the mitral valve does not close appropriately during heartbeats. This education often includes the condition's pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential complications, like arrhythmias or mitral regurgitation. Though not fully...
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...