Abstract

Background: Low birth weight is associated with significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. Low birth weight may also be related to congenital heart defects. So far, limited data is available about the frequency of congenital heart defects in low birth weight neonates. This study was done to know the frequency of congenital heart defects among low birth weight neonates.

Aim: To determine the frequency of congenital heart defects in low birth weight neonates and to determine the factors leading to congenital heart defects in low birth weight neonates.

Study Design: Prospective cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neonatology Ward, Children Hospital, Lahore from 4th April 2012 to 4th October 2012.

Methodology: Three hundred and twenty neonates who were born low birth weight (<2500 grams) were included. The occurrence of congenital heart defects was determined in all neonates by echocardiogram. The congenital heart defects related factors were also found.

Results: Forty (12.5%) patients had congenital heart defects; of these, ventricular septal defect was seen commonly in 16 (40%) neonates. The most frequent factor related with congenital heart defect was cousin marriages which were present in 25 (62.5%) neonates.

Conclusion: The incidence of congenital heart defects is high. The most prevalent abnormality is ventricular septal defect. The most frequent aspect was cousin marriage.

Keywords: Low birth weight, Congenital heart disease, Factors