Frequency and Pattern of Congenital Heart Disease Among Neonates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59675/U411Keywords:
Congenital heart disease; Neonates; Echocardiography; ASD; VSD; PDA.Abstract
Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is among the most common congenital anomalies and a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Local data from Iraq regarding the distribution of CHD among Iraqi neonates remain limited.
Objective: To determine the frequency and echocardiographic pattern of CHD among neonates referred for suspected congenital heart disease in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2024. A total of 934 neonates (0-28 days old) suspected of having CHD underwent echocardiographic examination. Diagnoses were classified into cyanotic and a cyanotic CHD. Data were analysed using SPSS. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. A Chi-square test was used to assess the association between sex and diagnosis. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of 934 neonates, 600 (64.2%) were males and 334 (35.8%) were females. Congenital heart disease was diagnosed in 622 neonates (66.6%) while 312 neonates (33.4%) had normal echocardiographic findings. The most frequent lesions were Atrial septal defect (ASD), Ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Cyanotic CHD including Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and transposition of great arteries (TGA) were less common. No statistically significant association was found between sex and type of diagnosis (p>0.05).
Conclusion: A Cyanotic lesion particularly ASD, VSD, and PDA were the most frequent echocardiographic diagnoses. Although male predominance was observed in referrals, the distribution of CHD types did not significantly differ between males and females. Early echocardiographic screening remains essential for timely detection and management.
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