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This study analyzed 661 pediatric heart surgeries for congenital heart disease in Saudi Arabia, revealing a 10.5% mortality rate. Findings highlight unique disease characteristics and late referrals in the region.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Congenital Heart Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) presents unique challenges in Saudi Arabia compared to Western populations.
- These challenges include a higher prevalence of cyanotic heart disease and complex anomalies.
- Advanced pulmonary hypertension and late referrals contribute to disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze surgical outcomes for congenital cardiopathies in children under 14.
- To characterize the specific features of congenital heart disease in the Saudi pediatric population.
- To assess the mortality rate associated with pediatric open and closed heart surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 661 pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery.
- Data collected over a 4-year period at the Saudi Heart Centre.
- Inclusion of both simple and complex congenital cardiopathies.
Main Results:
- An average mortality rate of 10.5% was observed.
- Congenital heart disease in this cohort exhibited distinct patterns, including frequent cyanotic disease.
- Patients often presented with multiple anomalies, severe pulmonary hypertension, and were referred late, frequently with heart failure and malnutrition.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric congenital heart disease in Saudi Arabia has distinct epidemiological and clinical features.
- Late presentation and disease complexity contribute to significant mortality.
- Understanding these regional differences is crucial for improving surgical outcomes and patient management.
Abstract:
661 consecutive children below the age of 14 years underwent open and closed heart surgery at the Saudi Heart Centre during a 4-year period for congenital cardiopathies of simple and complex nature with an average mortality rate of 10.5%. Congenital cardiopathies in Saudi Arabia differ from those seen in the Western world by the relative frequency of cyanotic heart disease, the presence of multiple complex congenital anomalies together, the advanced pulmonary hypertension, a rather aggressive nature of the cardiac diseases, and late referral of the children who often suffer also from congestive heart failure, reduced general condition and a malnutritional state.