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Congenital heart disease and associated comorbidities among children with Down syndrome in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria
Chika O Duru1, Olukemi O Ige2, Frances S Okpokowuruk3, Queennette O Daniels4, Patience A Udo3, Fadekemi Megbelayin3, Kevin B Edem3, Olawale Olabiyi5, Christopher S Yilgwan2
1 Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
2 Department of Paediatrics, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
3 Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
4 Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
5 University of Texas Medical School, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Correspondence Address:
Chika O Duru
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jomt.jomt_39_19
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Introduction and Objectives: Congenital heart disease (CHD) in children with Down syndrome is a common association. This study aims to describe the pattern of CHD and associated co-morbidities seen in children with Down syndrome in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a cardiac mission. Children with phenotypic features suggestive of Down syndrome and a prior diagnosis of CHD had trans-thoracic echocardiogram performed by a team of paediatric cardiologists. The data were analyzed with STATA 14.0 Statistical package. Results: Thirty-five children with physical features suggestive of Down syndrome were seen, all of whom had CHD. They had a mean age of 5.8 months at diagnosis and 25.8 months at presentation. The most common heart defects detected were Atrioventricular septal defects in 28.6% of cases. The most common co-morbidity noted was heart failure in 17 (48.6%) of them followed by wasting in 15 (42.9%). Though 14 (40.0%) children were on a pulmonary vasodilator (sildenafil), only 5 (14.3%) children had features suggestive of pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography, all with atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD). Conclusion: AVSD is the most common CHD seen among children with Down syndrome in our study and is frequently associated with pulmonary hypertension.
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