Paediatric heart failure in Uyo: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Abstract: Background/Aim
Paediatric heart failure is a condition that continues to present challenges in management in our environment especially in its treatment and outcomes hence the aim
of this study.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the case notes
of all children who were diagnosed and managed for heart failure from January 2019 – October
2021 was undertaken. Data obtained included age, sex, presenting features, primary diagnosis,
treatment modalities, duration of
hospital stay and outcomes.
Results: A total of 2226 children
were admitted over the study period with 67 children diagnosed
with heart failure giving a prevalence rate of 3% although only 47
case notes could be retrieved giving a case retrieval rate of 70%.
There were 26 (55.3%) males and
21 (44.7%) females (M:F ratio1.2:1). Mean age of patients
was 32.6 months (±52.23) with 28
(59.6%) of them being infants.
Bronchopneumonia was the commonest cause of heart failure 31
(65.9%) either singly or in combination with acyanotic congenital
heart disease followed by severe
anaemia in 14 (29.8%). Average
duration of hospital stay was
6.9days (±5.08) and average cost
of admission was N13,266.
Twenty-three patients were discharged (48.9%), while 10 (21.3%)
left against medical advice, 2 absconded (4.3%) while 12 (25.3%)
died.
Conclusion: Heart failure remains
an important cause of morbidity
and mortality in children in our
environment arising from largely
preventable causes. Urgent steps
such as patient care giver education, immunization and screening
for congenital heart disease are
needed to reduce its effect on children in our environment.