Growth and height development changes in children with cyanogenic congenital heart disease

Abstract

Objective: To identify changes in the growth and physical development of children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. We studied 30 children with CCHD aged 0-8 years-old. The analysed variables were: prevalence of gender involvement, type of congenital heart anomaly and anthropometric indices (Weight/Age, Height/Age and Weight/Height) which were compared with the standards values proposed for the age in accordance with the scale of growth and child development of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Results: There was a greater involvement of males and the most prevalent CCHD were the Fallot’s Tetralogy and Double transposition of the great vessels. Among children with CCHD, 90% had a lower Weight/Age index, 83% had a lower Height/Age index and 97% had a lower Weight/Height index. Conclusion: Children with CCHD show a high prevalence of growth and development retardation compared to the standard values of the NCHS. The nutritional assistance and encouragement for the practice of physical activity would have an important role in physical rehabilitation after the surgical correction of congenital heart defect in children with CCHD.