Publication Details
Abstract
Background: Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) is the most common type of major congenital malformations number among newborns as well as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in infancy especially in low-developed countries. Studies across different regions highlight the interplay of multiple social and environmental risk factors, such as high prevalence of consanguineous marriages, weak pre- and post-natal screening programs and the need for reliable local epidemiological data in certain provinces in Iraq, including Kirkuk9 volume up. AIM: To identify the frequency of congenital heart diseases in infants admitted to Kirkuk General Hospital during the three years period (2023 -2026), and the clinical presentation and risk factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed including a review of medical records of the patients with congenital heart diseases underwent two-dimensional echocardiography in the Maternity, Gynecology, and Pediatrics Hospital for the period from January 2023 to June 2026. The demographic, clinical and parental risk variables were taken and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results :Between 1982 and 2020, there were 26,450 live births in our study, and diagnosed 312 cases of congenital heart disease, with a prevalence of 11.8 per 1,000 live births. The m:f ratio was 53.8-46.2% (1.17:1) The most frequent type was ventricular septal defect (VSD) (31.4%), followed by atrial septal defect (18.3%) and patent ductus arteriosus (14.1%). Non-cyanotic forms were (77.9%) more frequent than cyanotic ones (22.1%). Consanguinity was present and the non-use of folic acid in the pre-pregnancy period was found in 57.1% and 46.2% respectively Cases detected annually demonstrated a gradual increase, starting at 89 and ending at 119 cases between 2023 and 2026. Conclusion: The rate of congenital heart diseases in Kirkuk Governorate is significantly in a high level, and this rate is in agreement with the pattern detail in other Iraq governorates, and in consanguineous marriages play important role for as a major risk factor. Too Many Heart Defects Go Unnoticed, Highlights Need for Registry and Early Screening Efforts The findings highlight the urgent need for national cardiac screening programs and a unified registry for congenital heart defects.