Application of Computed Tomography Angiography in Preoperative Diagnosis of Coarctation of Aorta and Evaluation of Aortic Dilatation in Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of aortic dilatation and its associated predictors with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in infants using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). METHODS: The clinical data of 47 infantile patients with CoA diagnosed by MSCT and 28 infantile patients with simple ventricular septal defect were analyzed retrospectively. Aortic diameters were measured at six different levels, and aortic sizes were compared by z score. The coarctation site-diaphragm ratio was used to describe the degree of narrowing. Relevant clinical data were collated and analyzed. RESULTS: The dilation rate and z score of the ascending aorta in the severe CoA group were significantly higher than those in the mild CoA group (11 [52.38%] vs. 21 [80.77%], P=0.038 and 2.00 ± 0.48 vs. 2.36 ± 0.43, P=0.010). Pearson's correlation analysis found that the z score of the ascending aorta was negatively correlated with the coarctation site-diaphragm ratio value (r=-0.410, P=0.004). A logistic retrospective analysis found that an increased degree of coarctation was an independent predictor of aortic dilatation (adjusted odds ratio 0.002; 95% confidence interval 0.00-0.819; P=0.043). The z score of the ascending aorta in the severe CoA group was significantly higher than that in the ventricular septal defect group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Most infants with CoA can also have significant dilatation of the ascending aorta, and the degree of this dilatation is related to the degree of coarctation. Assessment of aortic diameter and related malformations by MSCT can predict the risk of aortic dilatation in infants with CoA.

A Knife Penetrating the Right Ventricle, Interventricular Septum, and 2 Valves: A Case Report.

Penetrating chest trauma may result in significant intracardiac injury. A traumatic ventricular septal defect is a rare complication that requires surgical management, particularly if heart failure ensues. We report a case of delayed repair of an outlet-type ventricular septal defect and perforation of the aortic and pulmonary valve leaflets following a stab wound. This report highlights diagnostic and surgical considerations and also presents an opportunity to review the conotruncal anatomy, which may be relatively unfamiliar to many adult cardiac surgeons.

Tetralogy of Fallot with an Anomalous Course of the Brachiocephalic Vein.

CLINICAL DATA: Infant, 11-month-old, male, diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot with retrotracheoesophageal course of the brachiocephalic vein. Usual findings of Tetralogy of Fallot on physical examination. Technical description: Chest radiography showed slightly reduced pulmonary vascular markings and no cardiomegaly. Normal preoperative electrocardiogram with postoperative right bundle branch block. Usual findings of Tetralogy of Fallot on echocardiogram. Postoperative computed tomography angiography confirmed left brachiocephalic vein with anomalous retrotracheoesophageal course, configuring a U-shaped garland vein, in addition to postoperative findings of total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot. OPERATION: Complete surgical repair was performed with pulmonary valve commissurotomy and placement of bovine pericardial patch to solve right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, pulmonary trunk enlargement, and ventricular septal defect closure. COMMENTS: Systemic venous drainage may show variations in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot. These abnormalities are usually of little clinical relevance, as they are asymptomatic. We presented a rare case of retrotracheoesophageal course of an anomalous left brachiocephalic vein with intraoperative diagnosis, confirmed by imaging during postoperative follow-up, without compromising clinical management or surgical approach.

Congenital Heart Defects and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A 20-Year Update and New Insights to Aid Clinical Diagnosis.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the most prevalent clinical features described in individuals diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). Therefore, cardiac malformations may be the main finding to refer for syndrome investigation, especially in individuals with a mild phenotype. Nowadays, different cytogenetic methodologies have emerged and are used routinely in research laboratories. Hence, choosing an efficient technology and providing an accurate interpretation of clinical findings is crucial for 22q11.2DS patient's diagnosis. This systematic review provides an update of the last 20 years of research on 22q11.2DS patients with CHD and the investigation process behind each diagnosis. A search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and LILACS using all entry terms to DiGeorge syndrome, CHDs, and cytogenetic analysis. After screening, 60 papers were eligible for review. We present a new insight of ventricular septal defect as a possible pivotal cardiac finding in individuals with 22q11.2DS. Also, we describe molecular technologies and cardiac evaluation as valuable tools in order to guide researchers in future investigations.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as A Bridge to Surgery in Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect with Cardiogenic Shock: Case Report

ABSTRACT We describe a 60-year-old woman with post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defect (VSD) and cardiogenic shock who was successfully stabilized with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a bridge therapy for the surgical closure of her VSD. This case highlights the role of VA-ECMO in the management of post-MI VSD to improve the results of surgical repair and patient survival.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as A Bridge to Surgery in Post-Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect with Cardiogenic Shock: Case Report.

We describe a 60-year-old woman with post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defect (VSD) and cardiogenic shock who was successfully stabilized with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a bridge therapy for the surgical closure of her VSD. This case highlights the role of VA-ECMO in the management of post-MI VSD to improve the results of surgical repair and patient survival.

Practice Patterns in the Management of Pressure Restrictive Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects: A Multinational Survey.

Indications for the closure of pressure restrictive perimembranous ventricular septal defects (pmVSD) are not well established in the pediatric population. We sought to assess practice variability among pediatric cardiologists in the United States (US), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A survey ascertaining practice patterns, including case vignettes with incremental progression of disease severity, was designed and administered through representative professional cardiac organizations and email listservs in the designated countries. Among the 299 respondents, 209 (70.0%) were from the US, 65 (21.7%) were from Canada and 25 (8.3%) were from Australia and New Zealand. Indications for pressure restrictive pmVSD closure included the presence of left ventricular (LV) dilation for 81.6% (244/299) (defined as z-score ≥ 2 for 59.0% (144/244) and ≥ 3 for 40.2% (98/244)) and significant pulmonary-systemic flow ratio (QP:QS) for 71.2% (213/299) [defined as ≥ 1.5:1 for 36.2% (77/213) and ≥ 2 for 62% (132/213)]. US pediatric cardiologists elected to close restrictive pmVSD at lower LV z-score and QP:QS ratio cut-offs (p-value 0.0002 and 0.013, respectively). In a case vignette, 63.6% (173/272) chose to intervene if there was right coronary cusp prolapse with stable mild aortic regurgitation. Of the remaining cardiologists, 93% (92/99) intervened if the aortic regurgitation was progressive (from trivial to mild). Commonly identified indications with variable thresholds for closure of pressure restrictive pmVSDs included the presence or progression of LV dilation, significant volume loading, and aortic valve prolapse with regurgitation. US pediatric cardiologists may have a lower threshold for pmVSD closure.

Tetralogy of Fallot with an Anomalous Course of the Brachiocephalic Vein

ABSTRACT Clinical data: Infant, 11-month-old, male, diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot with retrotracheoesophageal course of the brachiocephalic vein. Usual findings of Tetralogy of Fallot on physical examination. Technical description: Chest radiography showed slightly reduced pulmonary vascular markings and no cardiomegaly. Normal preoperative electrocardiogram with postoperative right bundle branch block. Usual findings of Tetralogy of Fallot on echocardiogram. Postoperative computed tomography angiography confirmed left brachiocephalic vein with anomalous retrotracheoesophageal course, configuring a U-shaped garland vein, in addition to postoperative findings of total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot. Operation: Complete surgical repair was performed with pulmonary valve commissurotomy and placement of bovine pericardial patch to solve right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, pulmonary trunk enlargement, and ventricular septal defect closure. Comments: Systemic venous drainage may show variations in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot. These abnormalities are usually of little clinical relevance, as they are asymptomatic. We presented a rare case of retrotracheoesophageal course of an anomalous left brachiocephalic vein with intraoperative diagnosis, confirmed by imaging during postoperative follow-up, without compromising clinical management or surgical approach.

Application of Mivacurium in Fast-Track Anesthesia for Transthoracic Device Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects in Children.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mivacurium in the application of fast-track anesthesia for transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in children. METHODS: The data of 108 children who underwent transthoracic device closure of VSDs from December 2018 to June 2020 were recorded and analyzed. All children were divided into group M (mivacurium group, n=55) and group C (cisatracurium group, n=53) according to the different muscle relaxant drug used. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in general preoperative data, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, or the incidence of adverse reactions were noted between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the intubation condition rating of children in group M was better than that in group C. The onset time, duration of clinical action and recovery index of the muscle relaxant, postoperative mechanical ventilation duration, and length of intensive care unit stay in group M were significantly lower than those in group C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is safe and feasible to use mivacurium as a muscle relaxant in children undergoing fast-track cardiac anesthesia during transthoracic device closure of VSDs.

Application of Mivacurium in Fast-Track Anesthesia for Transthoracic Device Closure of Ventricular Septal Defects in Children

Abstract Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mivacurium in the application of fast-track anesthesia for transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in children. Methods: The data of 108 children who underwent transthoracic device closure of VSDs from December 2018 to June 2020 were recorded and analyzed. All children were divided into group M (mivacurium group, n=55) and group C (cisatracurium group, n=53) according to the different muscle relaxant drug used. Results: No statistically significant differences in general preoperative data, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, or the incidence of adverse reactions were noted between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the intubation condition rating of children in group M was better than that in group C. The onset time, duration of clinical action and recovery index of the muscle relaxant, postoperative mechanical ventilation duration, and length of intensive care unit stay in group M were significantly lower than those in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is safe and feasible to use mivacurium as a muscle relaxant in children undergoing fast-track cardiac anesthesia during transthoracic device closure of VSDs.

Concomitant surgery for double-chambered right ventricle and coronary stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The clinical data of coronary artery disease in patients with double-chambered right ventricle are limited. We report an adult double-chambered right ventricle case with three-vessel coronary artery disease that was successfully treated with concomitant double-chambered right ventricle repair and coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient case data was extracted from hospital records. RESULTS: The patient was the case of a 60-year-old man with a double-chambered right ventricle and three-vessel coronary artery disease. He underwent concomitant surgery comprising double-chambered right ventricle repair and coronary artery bypass grafting. Achieving cardiac arrest allowed us to obtain a good surgical view of the heavy and severely hypertrophied heart. Postoperative computed tomography revealed a feasible running course of the sequential graft, indicating that the path of the sequential graft should be clockwise (aorto-right coronary-left circumflex artery) in this unusual anatomical condition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We report this rare disease combination and highlight the need for careful preoperative planning in such cases.

Left Hemitruncus Treated Along with Ventricular Septal Defect in a Neonate.

Hemitruncus arteriosus is a rare cardiovascular malformation in which one of the pulmonary arteries anomalously originates from the aorta. Left hemitruncus arteriosus, defined as the origination of the left pulmonary artery from the aorta, is less common than right hemitruncus arteriosus. In this study, we report the case of a neonate diagnosed with left hemitruncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, and atrial septal defect who underwent successful surgical treatment.

Does Early Drain Removal Affect Postoperative Pericardial Effusion after Congenital Cardiac Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery require postoperative chest drainage. However, the drain is difficult to keep in place in children with congenital heart disease. Since 2015, at Kyungpook National University Hospital, the chest tube is removed on postoperative day 1 in patients who have undergone simple congenital cardiac surgery (i.e., closure of an atrial or ventricular septal defect). In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the duration of drain placement and the likelihood of pericardial effusion after congenital cardiac surgery. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent closure of an atrial or ventricular septal defect at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2016 were reviewed. In total, 162 patients who received follow-up echocardiography and had information available on postoperative pericardial effusion after the repair procedure were enrolled. RESULTS: Echocardiography was performed at a median of 5 days (range, 4 to 6 days) postoperatively before discharge from the hospital. Pericardial effusion occurred in 21 patients (13.0%), of whom only 3 (1.9%) had moderate or greater pericardial effusion, regardless of the drain duration. All patients improved during outpatient follow-up without invasive management. No patient had severe complications because of pericardial effusion. The duration of drain placement did not affect the incidence of postoperative pericardial effusion (p=0.069). Operative survival was 100%. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, we recommend removing the drain as soon as its role is complete, generally on postoperative day 1, because early removal does not increase the incidence of pericardial effusion in patients undergoing simple congenital cardiac surgery.

A Comparative Study of Perventricular and Percutaneous Device Closure Treatments for Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect: A Chinese Single-Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of perventricular and percutaneous procedures for treating isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD). METHODS: A total of 572 patients with isolated VSD were selected in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2016. The patients' median age and weight were five years (1-26 years) and 29 kg (9-55 kg), respectively. The median diameter of VSD was 6.0 mm (5-10 mm). Patients were divided into two groups. In group A, perventricular device closure was performed in 427 patients; in group B, 145 patients underwent percutaneous device closure. RESULTS: Four hundred twelve patients in group A and 135 patients in group B underwent successful closure. The total occlusion rate was 98.5% (immediately) and 99.5% (3-month follow-up) in group A, which were not significantly different from those in group B (97.7% and 100%, respectively). Patients in group A had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay than those in group B, but patients in group B experienced significantly longer operative times than those in group A. The follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 1.5 year (median, 1 year). During the follow-up period, late-onset complete atrioventricular block occurred in two patients. No other serious complications were noted in the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Both procedures are safe and effective treatments for isolated VSD. The percutaneous procedure has obvious advantages of shorter ICU stay and less trauma than the perventricular procedure. However, the perventricular procedure is simpler to execute, results in a shorter operative time, and avoids X-ray exposure.

A comparative study of perventricular and percutaneous device closure treatments for isolated ventricular septal defect: a chinese single-institution experience

Abstract Objectives: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of perventricular and percutaneous procedures for treating isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD). Methods: A total of 572 patients with isolated VSD were selected in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2016. The patients' median age and weight were five years (1-26 years) and 29 kg (9-55 kg), respectively. The median diameter of VSD was 6.0 mm (5-10 mm). Patients were divided into two groups. In group A, perventricular device closure was performed in 427 patients; in group B, 145 patients underwent percutaneous device closure. Results: Four hundred twelve patients in group A and 135 patients in group B underwent successful closure. The total occlusion rate was 98.5% (immediately) and 99.5% (3-month follow-up) in group A, which were not significantly different from those in group B (97.7% and 100%, respectively). Patients in group A had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay than those in group B, but patients in group B experienced significantly longer operative times than those in group A. The follow-up period ranged from 8 months to 1.5 year (median, 1 year). During the follow-up period, late-onset complete atrioventricular block occurred in two patients. No other serious complications were noted in the remaining patients. Conclusion: Both procedures are safe and effective treatments for isolated VSD. The percutaneous procedure has obvious advantages of shorter ICU stay and less trauma than the perventricular procedure. However, the perventricular procedure is simpler to execute, results in a shorter operative time, and avoids X-ray exposure.

Endocarditis infecciosa por Haemophilus parainfluenzae / Haemophilus parainfluenzae infectious endocarditis

Resumen Introducción: la endocarditis infecciosa (EI) es una enfermedad poco frecuente pero con elevada morbimortalidad. A pesar del incremento en la incidencia de S. aureus, el grupo HACEK constituye una etiología frecuente. Se comunica un adolescente con cardiopatía congénita que presentó EI a H. parainfluenzae. Caso clínico: 13 años, varón, comunicación interventricular (CIV). Caries. Ingresa 20/6/12 por adelgazamiento, astenia y adinamia de 2 semanas de evolución. Agrega dolor tipo puntada de lado a izquierda, disnea y fiebre. Al examen: regular estado general, frecuencia cardíaca 105 cpm, soplo sistólico 5/6, presión arterial 107/70. Polipnea 28 rpm. Abolición del murmullo alvéolovesicular y matidez en base de hemitórax izquierdo. Leucocitosis 17.700/mL, hemoglobina 8,7 g/dL, Proteína C reactiva 226 mg/dL. Radiografía de tórax: derrame paraneumónico izquierdo. Persiste febril, aumenta dolor torácico, peoría del estado general. Hemocultivo desarrolla H. parainfluenzae. Ecocardiograma transtorácico (ET): CIV sin repercusión hemodinámica, sin vegetaciones. Se reitera ET y se constata vegetación de 12 mm adherida al borde de CIV. En la evolución episodios de probables embolias pulmonares sépticas. A los 12 días cirugía cardíaca con evolución favorable. Discusión: el aislamiento de H. parainfluenzae fue decisivo en la búsqueda de EI. Es importante mantener alto índice de sospecha cuando existen factores de riesgo (CIV, caries). El riesgo embólico aumenta cuando la vegetación es mayor a 10 mm. Es una enfermedad médico-quirúrgica. La indicación y oportunidad de la cirugía es decisiva. Este caso se pudo haber evitado mediante prevención y tratamiento de las caries.

Summary Introduction: infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The incidence of S. aureus has increased but the agents of the HACEK group are frequent cause of EI. The case reported is an adolescent with congenital heart disease with an IE caused by H. parainfluenzae. Clinical report: 13 years old, male, ventricular septal defect (VSD). Tooth decay. The patient evidenced weight loss and asthenia since June 20, 2012 and in 2 weeks developed adinamia. Later on he presented pleuritic pain, dyspnea and fever. Physical findings: fair general condition; 105 bpm heart rate, 5/6 systolic murmur, blood pressure 107/70 mmHg. Polypnea 28 rpm. Abolition of vesicular murmur and dullness of the left hemithorax. Leukocytosis 17.700 /mL, hemoglobin 8.7 g / dL, C reactive protein (CRP) 226 mg/dL. RxTx: left parapneumonic effusion. Persistent fever, chest pain increases and general condition worsens. H. parainfluenzae was isolated from a single sample of blood culture. Transthoracic echocardiography (TE): VSD without hemodynamic repercussion, no vegetations. TE is reiterated and vegetation of 12 mm attached to the edge of VSD is found. In the evolution the patient develops episodes of probable septic pulmonary emboli. After 12 days of hospitalization, cardiac surgery was performed. After surgery the patient improved. Discussion: the isolation of H parainfluenzae led to IE diagnosis. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion when there are risk factors (VSD, tooth decay). The embolic risk increases when vegetation is greater than 10 mm. It is a medical-surgical disease. The indication and timing of surgery is crucial. This case could have been avoided through prevention and treatment of tooth decay.

[Prognostic factors associated with postoperative morbidity in children with isolated ventricular septal defect]. / Factores pronóstico de morbilidad posquirúrgica en pacientes pediátricos con comunicación interventricular aislada.

BACKGROUND: Isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases worldwide. Prognostic factors associated with postoperative morbidity in patients with isolated VSD in the Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI have not been identified. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. Descriptive statistics and comparisons between groups were performed using chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test and linear regression. Relative risks (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients who underwent isolated VSD closure were included, 12.5 % (n = 8) had a history of pulmonary banding and 22 patients (34.3 %) had Down syndrome. The perimembranous and subaortic lesions occurred in 70 % of cases. Factors associated with an increased morbidity and a prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay were: lactate at the end of extracorporeal circulation (ECC) greater than 3 mmol/L (p = 0.02) and Down syndrome (p = 0.02), who had the highest incidence of postoperative complications (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant association was found: the higher the preoperative functional class, the longer the hospital stay, the number of days at ICU and the hours of mechanical ventilation.

Introducción: la comunicación interventricular aislada (CIV) es una de las cardiopatías congénitas más frecuentes a nivel mundial. Se desconoce cuáles son los factores pronósticos asociados a la morbilidad postoperatoria de los pacientes con CIV aislada en el Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo del 1 de enero de 2009 al 31 de diciembre de 2013. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y comparaciones entre los grupos mediante chi cuadrada, U de Mann Whitney y regresión lineal. Se calcularon riesgos relativos (RR) e intervalos de confianza al 95 % (IC 95%). Resultados: se incluyeron 64 pacientes a quienes se les realizó cierre de comunicación interventricular aislada. El 12.5 % (n = 8) tenían antecedente de cerclaje pulmonar y 22 (34.3 %) pacientes tenían síndrome de Down. Las CIV perimembranosas y la subaórtica se presentaron en 70 % de los casos. Los factores asociados a una mayor morbilidad y estancia prolongada en terapia intensiva fueron: lactato al final de la circulación extracorpórea (CEC) mayor a 3mmol/L (p = 0.02) y el síndrome de Down (p = 0.02) quienes presentaron una mayor frecuencia de complicaciones postoperatorias (p = 0.02). Conclusiones: se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa: cuanto mayor era la clase funcional preoperatoria, mayor era su estancia intrahospitalaria, con mayor número de días en terapia intensiva y mayor tiempo de ventilación mecánica asistida.

Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect after Myocardial Infarction: A Single Center Experience during 22 Years.

BACKGROUND: Surgical repair of post-infarct ventricular septal defect (VSD) is considered one of the most challenging procedures having high surgical mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the surgical repair of post-infarct VSD. METHODS: From May 1991 to July 2012, 34 patients (mean age, 67.1±7.9 years) underwent surgical repair of post-infarct VSD. A retrospective review of clinical and surgical data was performed. RESULTS: VSD repair involved the infarct exclusion technique using a patch in all patients. For coronary revascularization, 12 patients (35.3%) underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass graft, 3 patients (8.8%) underwent preoperative percutaneous coronary intervention, and 9 patients (26.5%) underwent both of these procedures. The early mortality rate was 20.6%. Six patients (17.6%) required reoperation due to residual shunt or newly developed VSD. During follow-up (median, 4.8 years; range, 0 to 18.4 years), late death occurred in nine patients. Overall, the 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 54.4%±8.8% and 44.3%±8.9%, respectively. According to a Cox regression analysis, preoperative cardiogenic shock (p=0.069) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (p=0.008) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: The early surgical outcome of post-infarct VSD was acceptable considering the high-risk nature of the disease. The long-term outcome, however, was still dismal, necessitating comprehensive optimal management through close follow-up.

Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de las cardiopatías congénitas / Clinical and epidemiological characterization of congenital heart diseases

Introducción: las cardiopatías congénitas constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de defectos morfofuncionales del corazón y los vasos sanguíneos. Objetivo: caracterizar los factores clínicos y epidemiológicos asociados a las cardiopatías congénitas. Material y Método: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, tipo caso-control en el servicio de Neonatología del Hospital "Abel Santamaría", años 2010-11. El universo lo constituyeron los 11 138 nacidos vivos en dicho período. La muestra se dividió en Grupo Estudio: 70 niños con diagnóstico de CC en el período neonatal y Grupo Control: 140 recién nacidos a término, nacidos consecutivos a los del estudio, tomando dos controles por cada caso. Se utilizó el test de Ji Cuadrado con nivel de significación p<0.05 y el OR para determinar la fuerza de asociación entre variables. Resultados: la incidencia de cardiopatía en el periodo fue de 6,3 por 1000 nacidos vivos. Predominaron las edades maternas entre 20 y 34 años. La enfermedad materna más frecuente fue la anemia (17,1%) en el grupo estudio, constituyendo un factor de riesgo. Los hábitos tóxicos estuvieron presentes en el 58,6% de las madres del grupo estudio. Predominó el sexo masculino (54,3%) y la comunicación interventricular aislada (45,7%). El 21,4% de las cardiopatías aparecieron en asociación con otras malformaciones, siendo la más frecuente la trisomía 21. La supervivencia fue del 92.9%. Conclusiones: los factores clínicos y epidemiológicos asociados a las cardiopatías congénitas fueron la edad materna de 20 a 34 años, la anemia, los hábitos tóxicos y el sexo masculino.

Introduction: congenital heart diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of heart morpho-functional and blood vessels defects. Objective: to characterize clinical and epidemiological factors associated with congenital heart diseases. Material and method: an observational, analytical, case-control type study was carried out in neonatology service at "Abel Santamaria Cuadrado" University Hospital during 2010-2011. The target group was comprised of 11 138 newborn infants in such period. The sample was divided into: Study Group (70 newborn infants) having the diagnosis of congenital heart disease in the neonatal period and a Control Group: 140 at term newborn infants, born consecutively of those included into the Study Group, taking two controls per each case. Chi-square test with a level of significance p<0.05 and the odd ratio were used to determine the strength of association among the variables. Results: the incidence of heart diseases during the period was 6,3 per 1000 alive newborn infants. Maternal ages between 20 and 34 years old prevailed, where anaemia was the most prevailing disease found in the study group (17,1%), which was a risk factor. Toxic habits were present in 58,6% of mothers included in the study group. Male sex prevailed (54,3%) and isolated interventricular communication (45,7%). Heart disease (21,4%) appeared in association with other malformations, where trisomy-21 was the most frequent. The survival rate was 92.9%. Conclusions: clinical and epidemiological factors associated with congenital heart diseases were maternal age (20 to 34 years old), anemia, toxic habits and male sex.