Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease and Related Factors among Children Admitted to the Pediatric Cardiac Center in Rafsanjan, Southeastern Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 M.D, Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Nursing, Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common congenital defects and the leading cause of birth defects-associated morbidity, mortality, and medical expenditures.
Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated risk factors of congenital heart disease among children in Rafsanjan, southeastern Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the research population included all pediatrics admitted to the pediatric cardiac center in Rafsanjan, southeastern Iran (September 2018 - March 2019). A researcher-made checklist was used to collect data, such as disease and demographic information, about children and their parents. Through face-to-face interviews, the checklist was completed. Furthermore, echocardiography was applied to diagnose CHD. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.
Results: From the 50 children, 30 (60%) were girls and 20 (40%) were boys. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with a rate of 50% (25 cases from 50) and atrial septal defect (ASD) with a rate of 20% (10 cases from 50) were the most common CHD anomalies. There was a significant difference between the frequency of PDA and VSD with the delivery method and gestational age (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Our data showed that there is a high prevalence of PDA among children with CHD. Gestational age can be contributing factor to CHD. The results can be used by specialists to prevent and treat these disorders.

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