Congenital disorders in South Africa: A review of Child Healthcare Problem Identification Programme (Child PIP)...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Genetics

Background:

• Congenital disorders (CDs) present a major challenge for affected individuals and healthcare services.
• Accurate data on the prevalence and spectrum of CDs in South Africa (SA) has been lacking due to unreliable reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the occurrence and spectrum of congenital disorders in children who died in South African hospitals.
• Utilize the Child Healthcare Problem Identification Programme (Child PIP) database for this analysis.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed data from the Child PIP database, which audits in-hospital childhood deaths in SA state hospitals since 2005.
• Over 60,000 audited deaths were available for review up to 2017.
• The database was searched to identify the occurrence and spectrum of congenital disorders.

Main Results:

• Congenital disorders were the main cause of death in 0.4% of cases and an underlying condition in 2.8% of deaths.
• Overall, CDs were diagnosed in 3.2% of deceased children, with many having multiple diagnoses.
• The spectrum of CDs was broad, with cardiac conditions being the most frequent.

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore the significant burden of congenital disorders within the South African healthcare system.
• This challenge is expected to grow as infectious diseases decline.
• Improved data collection and understanding of CDs are crucial for healthcare planning.