Comparative growth outcomes in pediatric congenital heart disease: Analyzing the dichotomy between cyanotic and Acyanotic conditions

Anas Abdulkayoum 1, Ashraf Soliman 1, *, Noora Almarri 1, Fawzia Alyafei 1, Ahmed Elawwa 1, Nada Soliman 2, Nada Alaaraj 1, Noor Hamed 1, Shayma Ahmed 1, Sohair Elsiddig 1 and Abdelrhman Bedair 3

1 Department of Pediatric, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
2 Department of Public health, North Dakota State University, ND, USA.
3 MVZ Hausarzte Ruhr, 45467 Mulheim and Ruhr, NRW, Germany.
 
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 23(02), 1532–1544
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.23.2.2486
 
Publication history: 
Received on 08 July 2024; revised on 15 August 2024; accepted on 17 August 2024
 
Abstract: 
Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common birth defect, significantly affects nearly 1% of newborns, influencing their growth and developmental trajectories. Altered hemodynamics and oxygen delivery in CHD can severely impact fetal and postnatal growth, making early intervention crucial.
Objective: This review aims to synthesize existing literature on the growth patterns of children with CHD, focusing on comparing cyanotic and acyanotic conditions and their implications on early medical and nutritional interventions.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review, synthesizing data from studies that examined growth metrics in children with cyanotic and acyanotic CHD, emphasizing the need for early intervention.
Results: The review included comprehensive data analysis from studies highlighting significant growth failure in both cyanotic and acyanotic CHD patients. Cyanotic patients exhibited more pronounced stunting, related to chronic hypoxemia, whereas acyanotic patients showed a higher incidence of wasting. Notably, early catheter or surgical interventions, especially in acyanotic CHD, were associated with improved growth outcomes, as were nutritional support strategies. Cyanotic CHD children often faced severe growth challenges, exacerbated by complications like pulmonary hypertension. The acyanotic group, while similarly at risk for growth difficulties, showed different patterns, possibly due to a lack of hypoxemia. Longitudinal monitoring and tailored interventions, including nutritional support and timely surgical repair, are vital for optimizing growth and overall health outcomes in these populations.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the distinct growth challenges faced by children with cyanotic versus acyanotic CHD, highlighting the importance of tailored medical and nutritional interventions. Early recognition and appropriate intervention strategies are crucial for promoting optimal growth and development in this vulnerable population, thereby improving their long-term health and quality of life.
 
Keywords: 
Congenital Heart Disease; Growth Impairment; Cyanotic vs. Acyanotic; Nutritional Interventions; Surgical Intervention
 
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