Perinatal outcome of congenital heart disease in a population with high consanguinity

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Fetal medicine
• Cardiology

Background:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a significant concern in fetal medicine.
• Consanguineous marriages are known to increase the incidence of genetic disorders.
• Understanding the perinatal outcomes in these pregnancies is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perinatal patterns and outcomes of fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD).
• To specifically examine the role of consanguinity in the prevalence and outcomes of fetal CHD.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review of fetuses undergoing fetal echocardiography (FE) was conducted.
• The study included 2151 fetuses over a five-year period.
• The primary outcome measured was survival at 28 days post-birth.

Main Results:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) was diagnosed in 7.1% of fetuses.
• Among fetuses with available outcome data, 65% were from consanguineous unions.
• Extracardiac malformations were present in 48.3% of fetuses and significantly increased mortality (OR 6.8).

Conclusions:

• Joint fetal echocardiography (FE) clinics accurately diagnose most cases of CHD.
• Consanguinity is associated with a higher incidence of both cardiac and extracardiac malformations in fetuses.
• The presence of extracardiac anomalies is a strong predictor of increased perinatal mortality in fetuses with CHD.