CHALLENGES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEX CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN CHILDREN IN NIGERIA: THE IRRUA SPECIALIST TEACHING HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE
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Abstract
Back ground: Complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a group of life threatening heart defects that are present at birth. Children born with CCHD in Nigeria have inadequate cardiovascular services leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to document the challenges encountered and outcomes in the management of children with complex congenital heart disease seen in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), in Edo State.
Method: The records of children seen by the Paediatric Cardiology unit of ISTH Irrua from August 2023 to October 2024 were reviewed. The biodata, diagnosis, investigations and outcome of interventions were obtained. Data was analyzed using Excel spreadsheet.
Results: A total of 177 children had congenital heart disease. Thirty one (17.5%) of these children had complex congenital heart disease. Their ages ranged from 2 days to 16 years with an M: F of 2.4:1. The challenges encountered in their management were lack of resources for life saving surgical interventions within and outside Nigeria, lack of facilities to make accurate diagnosis in some cases and shortage of full complement of experienced skilled personnel when resources were available. Five children (16.1%) died over the period under review while 7 (22.6%) have not returned for follow up.
Conclusion: There is a need for government funding and support in the treatment of CCHD in children. The establishment of regional cardiac centers with trained specialized manpower (foreign and local) and highly subsidized cost of treatment will mitigate the challenges encountered in the management of children with CCHDs and improve outcome.
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