To Study Anthropometric Measurements in Children of Both Sex with Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the commonest birth defects that affects both structure and function of heart. Children with CHD often face growth restriction and poor nutritional status. Anthropometry is an essential method to assess the growth and development in paediatrics. This study was aimed to examine the anthropometric measurements of children suffering from CHD and compared with normal healthy controls. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 100 children aged 0–14 years with diagnosed CHD, and 100 healthy children matched for age and sex. Parameters like weight, height and head circumference were measured and Z-scores was calculated based on WHO standards. Results showed that children with CHD had significantly lower weight-for-age, height-for-age, and head circumference-for-age Z-scores compared to controls (p < 0.05). Cyanotic CHD children showed more deficit than acyanotic ones. Early diagnosis and nutritional intervention can help in improvement in anthropometric growth. Growth monitoring should be part of management plan for CHD children.

Keywords: Congenital Heart Disease, Anthropometry, Pediatric Growth, Nutritional Status, Cyanotic Heart Defect, Growth Monitoring