Congenital heart diseases in neonatal unit at Al-Wahda Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Aden, Yemen (2012- 2013)

Resumen

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases are serious and common conditions that have significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in children and adults. Objective: To identify the prevalence and pattern of congenital heart diseases in the neonatal unit of Al-Wahda Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Aden, Yemen. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included all of the newborns at Al-Wahda Pediatric Teaching Hospital, from January 2012 to December 2013 (12987 newborns). Clinical examination, echocardiography and radiography were used for diagnostic and a total of 69 newborns were diagnosed with congenital heart diseases (41 males and 28 females) during the period. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the charts of patients for analysis. Results: The prevalence of congenital heart diseases was 5.3/1000 live births. Ventricular septal defect (39.1%), atrial septal defect (24.1%) and complex congenital heart disease (24.1%) were the more frequent forms. Respiratory distress was the commonest symptom (97.1%) and among the non-cardiac anomalies, Down’s syndrome (10.1%) was predominant. Conclusions: Congenital heart disease is a public health problem among newborns at Al-Wahda Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Aden, being the commonest forms ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and complex congenital heart disease, in which male predominance is found. Integrated effects from all authorities should be directed to families and doctors for prevention, early diagnosis and proper intervention.

Keywords: Congenital, heart disease, prevalence, Aden.