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Assessment of Age and Sex Difference in Cardiopulmonary Function of Children and Adolescents with Ventricular Septal
Chao-Ruei Lin1, Ya-Fen Liu1, I-Ching Huang1,2,3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan.
Insights
Male patients with isolated ventricular septal defects (VSDs) show similar or better cardiopulmonary function (CPF) than females. Higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to reduced CPF in young VSD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Isolated ventricular septal defects (VSDs) were historically considered simple, but evidence indicates significant lifelong cardiovascular risks.
- Understanding cardiopulmonary function (CPF) in young VSD patients is crucial for long-term health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cardiopulmonary function (CPF) in young patients with isolated VSDs.
- To examine the relationship between CPF and factors like age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary medical center.
- Included 289 children and adolescents (5-18 years) with isolated VSDs.
- Utilized symptom-limited treadmill exercise tests to evaluate CPF.
Main Results:
- Male patients exhibited significantly higher oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (AT VO2) and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2).
- Normalized AT VO2 and peak VO2 showed a significant negative association with BMI.
- No significant differences in CPF were observed based on age stratification.
Conclusions:
- Male VSD patients may have comparable or superior CPF compared to female VSD patients.
- Elevated BMI is negatively associated with cardiopulmonary function in pediatric VSD populations.
- This study highlights the importance of monitoring CPF and BMI in young VSD patients.
Abstract:
In the past, an isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) was categorized as a simple lesion with assumed negligible long-term risks when treated correctly in childhood; however, evidence has suggested that patients with isolated congenital VSDs carry a substantial burden of cardiovascular morbidity throughout life. This study aimed to investigate the cardiopulmonary function (CPF) in isolated VSD patients of a young age and the relationship of CPF with age, sex and body mass index (BMI). This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan. We recruited children and adolescents (aged 5 to 18 years) with isolated VSDs who underwent the symptom-limited treadmill exercise test. Data from 289 children and adolescents (157 males, 132 females) were included in the analysis. The participants were stratified into three groups according to age. The male patients had a significantly higher oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (AT VO2) and a higher peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) (all p < 0.05). Normalized AT VO2 (mL/kg/min) and normalized peak VO2 (mL/kg/min) were significantly negatively associated with BMI. In conclusion, male patients with isolated VSDs had similar or better CPF compared with female patients. BMI had a negative association with CPF in young VSD patients.
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