Abdominal Problems in Children with Congenital Cardiovascular Abnormalities

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Congenital cardiovascular abnormalities are a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
• Gastrointestinal complications are common in children with congenital heart disease, exacerbated by surgical interventions and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and types of intra-abdominal problems in patients with congenital cardiovascular abnormalities.
• To analyze the relationship between interventions (surgical/angiographic) and the development of gastrointestinal complications.
• To evaluate outcomes and mortality associated with these complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients treated between 2000 and 2014.
• Analysis of demographic data, congenital cardiovascular abnormality type, interventions, and intra-abdominal problem incidence.
• Evaluation of interventions for gastrointestinal issues and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Of 76 patients, 14 required surgery for intra-abdominal problems (Group I) and 62 were managed non-surgically (Group II).
• Necrotizing enterocolitis and intestinal perforation were most common in Group I, while paralytic ileus predominated in Group II.
• Mortality was higher in operated patients and those with multiple congenital cardiovascular abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Gastrointestinal complications are significant in patients with congenital cardiovascular abnormalities, particularly post-intervention.
• Surgical intervention for gastrointestinal issues in this population is associated with increased mortality.
• Cyanotic heart anomalies and multiple congenital cardiovascular abnormalities are risk factors for severe gastrointestinal complications and mortality.