Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease in Xinjiang Multi-Ethnic Region of China.

Fen Liu,Zhen-Yan Fu,Yi-Ning Yang,Bang-Dang Chen,Ying Huang,Chun-Fang Shan,Xiang Ma,Xiao-Mei Li,Xiang Xie,Xiao-Ming Gao,Yi-Tong Ma,Zaccaria Ricci

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0133961

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence and risk factors of congenital heart disease among Xinjiang, northwestern part of China is currently unknown.MethodsThis multiple-ethnic, community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Xinjiang, northwestern part of China. Four major ethnics, Uygur, Han, Kazak, and Hui children in this region were investigated during February 2010 and May 2012.ResultsA total of 14,530 children (0–18 yr) were examined. Of these children, 240 (boys, 43.8%, and girls, 56.3%) were identified with CHD, giving an overall prevalence of 16.5‰ (17.7‰ in Uygur, 6.9‰ in Han, 11.4‰ in Kazak, and 38.1‰ in Hui Chinese, respectively). Ventricular septal defect (VSD, 29.2%), atrial septal defect (ASD, 20.8%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 13.7%), acleistocardia (13.7%), Bicuspid aortic valve (7.9%), pulmonary valve stenosis (5.4%), and tetralogy of fallot (TOF, 4.2%) were common cyanotic and cyanotic defects observed. Compared to non-CHD children, children with CHD had a higher percentage of history of abortion, CHD history of family, consanguinity and premature birth (all P<0.05). In CHD children, 24% of mothers caught a cold, 10% had a febrile illness and 6.7% received antibiotic treatment during the first trimester of pregnancy, that were higher than non-CHD group (all P<0.05).ConclusionThe overall prevalence of CHD in four ethnic children at ages 0–18 yr in Xinjiang was 16.5‰. VSD, ASD and TOF were the most common acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart defects, respectively. This study also identified some modifiable risk factors that may contribute to the incidence of CHD among the 4 ethnic groups.

Highlights

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common congenital defects and accounts for nearly one-third of all major congenital anomalies [1]
Compared to non-CHD children, children with CHD had a higher percentage of history of abortion, CHD history of family, consanguinity and premature birth
This study identified some modifiable risk factors that may contribute to the incidence of CHD among the 4 ethnic groups

Summary

Introduction

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common congenital defects and accounts for nearly one-third of all major congenital anomalies [1]. Some population-based epidemiological studies on CHD have indicated a prevalence ranging from 4 to 50 per 1,000 live births [2,3,4] and the incidence is even higher in cases of premature children, stillbirth or spontaneous abortion [5]. According to China Daily report, more than 300,000 children are born each year with CHD in the mainland of China, only 70,000 of them have access into medical treatment [9]. In Xinjiang, a remote multi-ethnic region is a less developed area compared with Central and East parts of China, estimated incidence of CHD are higher than the average of national levels and less CHD children receiving proper medical treatment. The prevalence and risk factors of congenital heart disease among Xinjiang, northwestern part of China is currently unknown

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion