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Malnutrition in hospitalized children with congenital heart disease

J W Cameron1, A Rosenthal, A D Olson

  • 1Division of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, USA.

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Malnutrition is common in hospitalized children with congenital heart disease, affecting 64% chronically and 33% acutely. Nutritional screening and intervention are crucial for these vulnerable pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a significant cause of pediatric hospitalization.
  • Malnutrition is a known complication in children with chronic illnesses.
  • The prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized CHD patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized children with congenital heart disease.
  • To analyze malnutrition rates based on patient age, specific heart condition, and clinical status.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, retrospective chart review was conducted.
  • 160 pediatric patients admitted to cardiology and thoracic surgery services were analyzed.
  • Malnutrition was assessed by comparing patient weight and height to established norms.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 64% of patients exhibited chronic malnutrition and 33% acute malnutrition.
  • Infants had significantly higher rates of acute malnutrition (80%) compared to older children (18%).
  • Malnutrition prevalence varied by CHD type, with higher rates in left-to-right shunts (60%) and complex heart disease (53%), and was strongly associated with cyanosis and/or congestive heart failure (≥70%).

Conclusions:

  • Malnutrition is highly prevalent among hospitalized children with congenital heart disease.
  • Age, disease complexity, and clinical symptoms are key factors associated with malnutrition.
  • Routine nutritional assessment and timely intervention are essential for managing these patients.
Abstract

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