Analysis of clinico-investigative correlation of congenital heart disease

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) accounts for 1/3 of all congenital birth defects. It is a leading cause of mortality in children. Hence, the diagnostic reliability of clinical profile needs to be explored for timely intervention and optimal patient outcome.
Objectives: To know the clinical profile of CHD cases and correlate clinical profile with investigations like chest x-ray, electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography.
Method: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics of Vikhe Patil Medical College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. The duration of the study was 18 months, from March 2017 to September 2018. All children aged one day to 14 years with features suggestive of CHD were included in the study. Clinical diagnosis was based on a detailed history and physical examination supported by chest X-ray and ECG. Final diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography.
Results: A total of 7438 suspected cases was studied, of which 246 had CHD, resulting in a hospital incidence of 2.9%. Common age of presentation was <1year (43.5%) with a male to female ratio of 1.39:1. Acyanotic congenital heart disease (ACHD) comprised 81.3% and cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) 18.7%. Clinical diagnosis was well correlated with final diagnosis in 80.5%, partially correlated in 11.4% and not correlated in 8.1%.
Conclusions: ACHD was found in 81.3% cases and CCHD in 18.7%. Clinical diagnosis, supported by chest x-ray and ECG correlated well with echocardiographic diagnosis in 80.5%, partially correlated in 11.4% and was not correlated in 8.1%.