Evaluation of nutritional status and support in children with congenital heart disease.

Abstract

The objective of this disease was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). A total of 125 children with CHD, under 6 months of age, were divided into four groups: no pulmonary hypertension (PH) or cyanosis (group 1, n=47), isolated cyanosis (group 2, n=52), isolated PH (group 3, n=16), and PH and cyanosis (group 4, n=10). Six children died at 6 months (n=4), 12 months (n=1) and 19 months (n=1). The remaining children were followed-up for 24 months. Prevalence of moderate to severe malnutrition (weight/weight for height <80%), caloric intake and medications were compared between the four groups. Moderate or severe malnutrition was more frequent in group 4 (100%) compared with others groups (group 1, 20%; group 2, 16.7% and group 3, 50%; P<0.05). Low oral caloric intake was more frequent in group 3 (71.4%) and group 4 (75%) than in group 1 (28%) and 2 (28.6%) (P<0.05). Food enrichment was practised in half of the children of group 4 and rarely in other groups (group 1, 15.8%; group 2, 8.6% and group 3, 11.1%; P<0.05). Enteral feeding was used more often in groups 3 (33.3%) and 4 (50%) than in groups 1 (15.8%) or 2 (14.3%; P<0.05). Moderate or severe malnutrition is present in 15% of children with CHD, and it is more frequent in case of PH. Half of these children demonstrate low caloric intake, whereas few have proper nutritional support.