Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods
08:28

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods

Published on: March 10, 2020

7.3K

The Prevalence of Malnutrition in Children With Congenital Heart Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Jihye Lee, Harleah G Buck, Pamela Mulder

    Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
    |December 3, 2025
    PubMed

    Insights

    Malnutrition is prevalent in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), varying by age and specific conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Early, tailored interventions are crucial for improving growth outcomes in this population.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Cardiology
    • Nutritional Science
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with a high prevalence of malnutrition in children.
    • Variability in previous findings necessitates a comprehensive meta-analysis to accurately estimate malnutrition risk.
    • Understanding the link between malnutrition and CHD-specific characteristics is vital for targeted interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To estimate the pooled prevalence of malnutrition (underweight, stunting, wasting) in children with CHD, stratified by age group.
    • To investigate the association between malnutrition and specific CHD disease characteristics.
    • To provide evidence for improved growth monitoring and intervention strategies.

    Main Methods:

    • A systematic meta-analysis was conducted adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
    • Prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was pooled across 37 studies.
    • Statistical analysis examined the odds of malnutrition based on CHD characteristics and age groups.

    Main Results:

    • The pooled prevalence of underweight was 34.3%, stunting 30.8%, and wasting 25.5% across over 70,000 children.
    • Malnutrition prevalence varied by age, with infants most affected by underweight and toddlers/preschoolers by stunting and wasting.
    • Children with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) showed significantly higher odds of all malnutrition types; cyanosis was linked to increased stunting risk.

    Conclusions:

    • Malnutrition is a significant concern in children with CHD, influenced by age and specific disease factors.
    • Elevated malnutrition risks in children with PAH and cyanosis highlight the need for disease-specific monitoring.
    • Personalized interventions considering age and clinical profile are essential for optimizing growth in this vulnerable group.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    Congenital heart diseaseFailure to thriveGrowthMalnutritionMeta-analysis

    More Related Videos

    Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography03:35

    Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

    Published on: December 1, 2023

    581
    Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound 30/45MHZ System07:34

    Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound 30/45MHZ System

    Published on: May 5, 2018

    12.1K

    Related Concept Videos

    Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

    Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
    374
    Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

    Imbalances in Cardiac Output

    The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
    CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
    2.3K
    Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

    Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

    Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
    685
    Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

    Heart Failure I: Introduction

    Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
    670
    Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management01:27

    Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management

    A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
    234
    Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

    Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

    Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
    295