Evaluation of nutritional status and support in children with congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this disease was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 125 children with CHD, under 6 months of age, were divided into four groups: no pulmonary hypertension (PH) or cyanosis (group 1, n = 47), isolated cyanosis (group 2, n = 52), isolated PH (group 3, n = 16), and PH and cyanosis (group 4, n = 10). Six children died at 6 months (n = 4), 12 months (n = 1) and 19 months (n = 1). The remaining children were followed-up for 24 months. Prevalence of moderate to severe malnutrition (weight/weight for height <80%), caloric intake and medications were compared between the four groups. RESULTS: Moderate or severe malnutrition was more frequent in group 4 (100%) compared with others groups (group 1, 20%; group 2, 16.7% and group 3, 50%; p < 0.05). Low oral caloric intake was more frequent in group 3 (71.4%) and group 4 (75%) than in group 1 (28%) and 2 (28.6%) (p < 0.05). Food enrichment was practised in half of the children of group 4 and rarely in other groups (group 1, 15.8%; group 2, 8.6% and group 3, 11.1%; P < 0.05). Enteral feeding was used more often in groups 3 (33.3%) and 4 (50%) than in groups 1 (15.8%) or 2 (14.3%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate or severe malnutrition is present in 15% of children with CHD, and it is more frequent in case of PH. Half of these children demonstrate low caloric intake, whereas few have proper nutritional support.