Prevalence of malnutrition and influencing factors in children with congenital heart disease

Year 2025, Volume: 52 Issue: 1, 7 - 16, 14.03.2025

Rosa Kasancı Erbay Alper Akın , Kamil Yılmaz , Edip Unal , Mehmet Türe , Duygu Uç

https://doi.org/10.5798/dicletip.1657092

Abstract

Background/Aim: Malnutrition is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aims to demonstrate the factors that increase the incidence of malnutrition and to emphasize the importance of early intervention in patients with congenital heart disease.
Methods: A total of 215 patients with CHD and 242 healthy children admitted to Dicle Universty Pediatric Cardiology Clinic between November 2017 and May 2018 were included in this study. Patients with additional system diseases, dysmorphic appearance or known genetic anomalies, and premature birth or intrauterine growth retardation were excluded from the study. Nutritional statuses of the patients were questioned. The patients were evaluated by echocardiographic and anthropometric data.
Results: Malnutrition was detected in 92 patients in the patient group (42%) and 24 patients in the control group (10%); the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Malnutrition was detected in 26 of the 38 cyanotic patients (68.4%), in 66 of the 177 patients without cyanosis (37.2%). The rate of malnutrition was significantly higher among cyanotic patients compared to patients without cyanosis (p<0.001) and compared to the control group (p<0.001). Malnutrition was detected in 16 of the 21 patients with pulmonary hypertension (76%), and among 76 of the 194 patients without pulmonary hypertension (39%) (p<0.001). There was no significant decrease in the rate of malnutrition in patients who underwent surgical treatment compared to the patient group without surgical treatment (p=0.129). No significant increase in malnutrition rate was found in patients with CHD with left to right shunt (p: 0.190)
Conclusion: The rate of malnutrition was significantly higher among children with CHD who had pulmonary hypertension and cyanosis. There was no relationship between corrective surgery, shunting, and malnutrition development.

Keywords

Congenital heart disease, malnutrition, children

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