Congenital Heart Diseases among Children in Selected Hospital

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. As CHD accounts for the most frequent cause of lethal malformation among infants, CHD is also considered a major problem affecting public health worldwide. Objective: To assess pattern of congenital heart diseases and associated risk factors among under-14 children admitted in a selected hospital. Methods: It was cross sectional analytical study conducted among purposively selected 111 children admitted in Children Hospital for treatment. Face to face interview was conducted to collect data. The cases were included in the study when the diagnosis of CHD was established by medical records and echocardiography. Results: About 91% and 9% children came from <1 year and 1-5 year age group. Low birth weight and normal birth weight was 52% and 48%. Pre-term and term distribution was 37% and 63%. About half of the respondents were middle class. About 26%, 25% and 18% mothers consumed vitamin A (>10000 IU/d), anti-pyretics and NSAIDs during pregnancy. About 40% mothers consumed contaminated tap water and 29% mothers were exposed to radiation. Ventricular septal defect (40.5%) and atrial septal defect (36.9%) were prominent. Patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary stenosis were 8.1% and 5.4%. Statistical significant association was found between ventricular septal defect and birth weight, gestational age and monthly family income. As like VSD, atrial septal defect showed statistical significant association with birth weight, monthly family income, maternal age and rubella infection 6 months prior to conception or 1st trimester. Conclusion: Ventricular septal defect (40.5%) and atrial septal defect (36.9%) were common among children. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy should be emphasized due to prevent low birth weight and pre-term baby.