The impact of early detection and intervention on congenital heart defects in infants and children: a systematic review

R. T. Akah; J. E. Enoh; B. Nkeh-Chungag

doi:10.61298/rans.2025.3.1.139

Authors

R. T. Akah
[email protected]
Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive, Private Bag X1, MTHATHA 5117 Eastern Cape, South Africa
J. E. Enoh Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive, Private Bag X1, MTHATHA 5117 Eastern Cape, South Africa
B. Nkeh-Chungag Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive, Private Bag X1, MTHATHA 5117 Eastern Cape, South Africa

Keywords:

Congenital heart defects, Early detection, Infants, Children

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality among congenital disabilities, affecting approximately 1% of live births. This review analyzes the critical role of early detection and intervention strategies in optimizing care for pediatric patients with CHD, utilizing a comprehensive literature search across scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed,Web of Science, Springer Link, and Science Direct for articles published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 10 studies were included, representing diverse populations and healthcare systems, which provided a global perspective on CHD prevalence and diagnosis in infants and children. These studies, comprising case-control studies from Mount Sinai Medical Center, cohort studies from regions such as Denmark, Paris, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, and cross-sectional studies from China and France/Belgium, highlight the clinical challenges associated with CHD and the long-term developmental and psycho-social implications for affected children. The findings underscore the necessity of continued efforts in maternal health, early screening, and holistic care approaches to improve outcomes for children with CHD worldwide. Ultimately, the review emphasizes that early detection is crucial for enhancing survival rates and quality of life and advocates for integrating medical and psycho-social support to address the multifaceted needs of these children.

Author Biographies

R. T. Akah, Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive, Private Bag X1, MTHATHA 5117 Eastern Cape, South Africa

Dr Akah Roland Tiagha is a Postdoctoral researcher at the Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive South Africa

J. E. Enoh, Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive, Private Bag X1, MTHATHA 5117 Eastern Cape, South Africa

Dr Enoh Jude is Postdoctoral researcher at the Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive South Africa

B. Nkeh-Chungag, Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive, Private Bag X1, MTHATHA 5117 Eastern Cape, South Africa

Prof Benedicta Nkeh-Chungag heads the Cardio-Metabolic Health Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Nelson Mandela Drive South Africa.

Dimensions

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