Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pediatrics

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) constitutes a major burden in developed and developing countries. Hundreds of thousands of children die each year from congenital heart diseases (CHD), while millions more remain in desperate need of treatment in the developing world. CHD represent a large part of CVD during the first years of life, early recognition of such diseases is of immense importance as clinical presentation and deterioration can lead to sudden collapse. Acquired heart diseases (AHDs) are serious but largely preventable diseases. They are highly prevalent in developing countries where poverty, illiteracy, and poor socioeconomic conditions still pose a significant challenge. Incidence and prevalence of CHD vary worldwide, may be due to differences in genetic, environmental, and cultural values. Objectives The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of different structural cardiac diseases among children less than 12 years presenting to the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic and inpatient ward at Cairo University children's Hospital and to describe the clinical profile (age and gender distribution and type of cardiac disease) in the studied population. Patients and methods: This is cross-sectional descriptive included Echocardiography reports of 1572 children of either sex from birth to 12 years of age presented to outpatient pediatric cardiology clinic, emergency department, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, and inpatient wards at Cairo University Children's Hospital, children were excluded if they have pericardial effusion secondary to systemic diseases (e.g.: renal, hepatic or autoimmune disease) without structural cardiac anomalies. Results; Of 1572 child, males 855 (54%), females 717 (46%), age range from birth to 12 years old (median 1.5), 219 children (14%) were normal, 879 children (56%) have congenital heart diseases, 186 children (12%) have acquired heart disease while 288 (18%) have acquired heart disease on top of congenital heart disease

Issued also as CD