PERINATAL PROFILE OF INFANTS DIAGNOSED WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: A HOSPITAL-BASED COHORT STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22551/MSJ.2026.02.08Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly worldwide and remains associated with significant neonatal morbidity. Perinatal factors such as prematurity and low birth weight may influence immediate clinical outcomes. This study aimed to describe the perinatal characteristics of children diagnosed with CHD in a level I regional hospital. Materials and methods: This retrospective descriptive study included children with confirmed CHD diagnosed between 2017-2023. CHD cases were classified into left-to-right shunt lesions, right-to-left shunt lesions, obstructive malformations, and complex CHD. Extracted perinatal variables included sex, gestational age, prematurity categories, birth weight, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, and mode of delivery. Data are presented as mean ± SD or number (percentage). Results: A total of 138 children were included, 50.72% of whom were male. The mean gestational age was 36.37±2.75weeks, with 49 (35.51%) born preterm. Mean birth weight was 2692.55 ± 865.11 g, and low birth weight was observed in 50 (36.23%). Cesarean delivery occurred in 80 (60.10%) of cases. The highest proportions of CHD subtype were observed for complex lesions (28.99%) and right-to-left shunt defects (30.43%). Conclusions: This cohort demonstrates a notable burden of prematurity and reduced birth weight in the context of a high proportion of hemodynamically significant CHD. These findings underscore the importance of coordinated perinatal care and highlight the value of regional epidemiological data for informed healthcare planning.
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