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Outcome of Heart Disease in Syrian Refugee Children: Insights into Crisis
Iyad Al-Ammouri1, Amira Daher2, Laila Tutunji3
1Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics. School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan. i.ammouri@ju.edu.jo.
Insights
Treatment for Syrian refugee children with heart disease faces significant funding and access challenges, leading to critical delays and preventable deaths. Organized international efforts are crucial to address this ongoing healthcare crisis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Public Health
- International Health
Background:
- Syrian refugee children face significant challenges accessing care for heart disease.
- This report details the spectrum, management, and outcomes of pediatric heart conditions in this vulnerable population.
- Challenges in management and funding availability are highlighted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spectrum of heart disease in Syrian refugee children.
- To evaluate the management strategies and outcomes of these patients.
- To identify challenges in treatment and funding for pediatric cardiac care in refugee settings.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of Syrian refugee children diagnosed with heart disease between 2012 and 2017.
- Data collection included demographics, diagnosis, treatment, procedures, mortality, and costs.
- Patient follow-up extended until January 2019.
Main Results:
- 415 children were diagnosed with heart disease; median age was 1.9 years.
- 81% of patients had established follow-up; 72% of those needing surgery and 97.9% needing catheterization received it.
- Mortality was 17%, with 28 deaths occurring while awaiting surgery; average waiting times were 222 days for surgery and 67 days for catheterization.
Conclusions:
- Despite efforts, significant treatment shortages exist for Syrian refugee children with heart disease, causing delays and mortality.
- Funding primarily came from non-governmental organizations, private donors, and UN funds.
- More organized international efforts are urgently needed to address the healthcare crisis for these children.
Background:
There are many challenges facing Syrian refugee children with heart disease. In this report, we present the spectrum, management, and outcome of heart disease in Syrian refugee children over six-year period, highlighting challenges in management and availability of funding.
Methods:
Data on Syrian refugee children with heart disease diagnosed between 2012 and 2017 were collected. Patients were followed until January 2019. Data reported included age, diagnosis, recommended treatment, types of procedures done, mortality, cost, financial sources for procedures, and outcome.
Results:
415 Syrian refugee children were diagnosed with heart disease at our institution. Median age was 1·9 years (0·4-6·05) years. Children were either born in Syria and fled to Jordan with their families (224, 54%), or born in Jordan to refugee parents (191, 46%). Follow-up was established for 335 patients (81%). Of 196 patients needing surgery, 130 (72%) underwent Surgery, and of 97 patients needing interventional catheterization, 95 underwent the procedure. Waiting time was 222(± 272) days for surgery and 67(± 75) days for catheterizations. Overall mortality was 17% (56 patients), of which 28 died while waiting for surgery. Cost of surgical and interventional catheterization procedures was $7820 (± $4790) and $2920 (± $2140), respectively. Funding was obtained mainly from non-government organizations, private donors, and United Nations fund.
Conclusion:
Despite local and international efforts to manage Syrian refugee children with heart disease, there is significant shortage in providing treatment resulting in delays and mortality. More organized efforts are needed to help with this ongoing crisis.
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