Abstract

Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common birth defect, representing a major global health problem. Malnutrition and anemia is widely prevalent among children with CHD with a significant impact on the outcome of intervention. Aims & objectives: To study pattern of growth & hematological profile in children with congenital heart disease aged 6-60 months. Methods: This was a case-control study conducted at Department of Pediatrics, Bebe Nanki Mother & Child Care Centre, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar. A total 104 subjects were enrolled in the study which included 52 cases of congenital heart disease & 52 age & sex matched healthy controls. Detailed history, physical examination was recorded & the data was subjected to statistical analysis. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and Z scores for height/length for age, weight for height and have been calculated. Weight for age was interpreted according to Gomez classification, height for age and weight for height were interpreted according to Waterlow classification. Hemoglobin levels, red cell indices, RDW, total serum protein and serum albumin levels were evaluated in case and control groups. Results: There was high prevalence of malnutrition (59.60%) in children with CHD compared to control group (23%). In children with CHD, underweight, stunting and wasting was found to be more prevalent in children with acyanotic CHD as compared to acyanotic CHD. Haemoglobin, red cell indices, total serum protein and S. albumin levels were low in children with CHD compared to control group. Polycythemia was more prevalent in children with cyanotic CHD.

Description