Pattern of Acquired Heart Diseases among Children Seen in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Acquired heart diseases (AHDs) are serious but largely preventable diseases. They are highly prevalent in developing countries where poverty, illiteracy, and poor socioeconomic conditions still pose a significant challenge. The prevalence and pattern of AHD among children have not been previously documented within the study area.

Objectives: To determine the pattern and outcome of AHDs among children in Sokoto, North‑Western Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods: A prospective study conducted at the Pediatric Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria from 1^st July 2009 to 30^th June 2014. Data from all the subjects with AHD were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results: Of the 3810 children, 110 (2.9%) children were diagnosed with AHD over the study period. The mean age of the subjects was 10.4 ± 3.4 years with M: F ratio of 1.2:1. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) was the most common AHD seen in 47 (42.7%) patients, followed by dilated cardiomyopathy/myocarditis in 36 (32.7%) and pericardial effusion in 12 (10.9%) patients. Endomyocardial fibrosis was seen in 7 (6.4%) patients while infective endocarditis and Kawasaki disease occurred in 6 (5.5%) and 2 (1.8%) patients respectively. Mortality rate was 17.3%. Commonly observed co‑morbidities included heart failure, bronchopneumonia, and pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusion: The pattern of AHD is similar to other studies in developing countries, with RHD being the most prevalent. There is a need for increased emphasis on primary prevention to reduce the burden of these diseases in the study area.

Keywords: Acquired Heart Disease, Children, Nigeria, Outcome, Pattern, Sokoto