Profile of congenital heart disease in children in western Cameroon: cases from two hospitals

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common human malformation and the most common heart disease found in children worldwide. The aim of our research was to study the epidemiological, clinical and echocardiographic aspects of CHD in children in two hospitals.

Material and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study covering a two-year period in two hospitals in western Cameroon: Bafoussam Regional Hospital and Dschang District Hospital (HRB and HDD). All records of patients aged 1 to 18 years old followed in the paediatric departments of these hospitals were included. Of these, 112 cases involved a confirmed diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Epidemiological, clinical and echocardiographic data were recorded on a pre-established and tested survey form.

Results: The prevalence of CHD found was 2.22%. The mean age was 34±51 months. Heart murmur was the reason for consultation and the most common physical sign, found in 28.57% and 38.39% of cases, respectively. Non-cyanotic CHDs accounted for half of the cases, dominated by ventricular septal defect (25.00%). Cyanogenic CHD, 12.49%, was dominated by tetralogy of Fallot (8.94%). Surgical treatment was indicated in all patients, but only 6 underwent surgery, 1.78% abroad and 3.57% in Cameroon.

Conclusion: CHD are common in our setting and are often detected late. The rate of surgical repair remains low. The public authorities must invest in local treatment to give as many patients as possible a chance.