Pattern of congenital heart defects among neonates admitted to Bahawal Victoria Hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of CHDs among neonates admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Bahawalpur. Study Design: Analytical Cross-sectional study. Period: September 2025 to March 2026. Setting: Pediatric Medicine Department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital/Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. Methods: A total of 357 consecutively enrolled neonates (≥1000 g, ≥5-minute APGAR score≥5, gestational age up to 28 days) underwent standardized echocardiographic assessment by a consultant pediatric cardiologist. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and CHDs were classified as acyanotic or cyanotic. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Results: Echocardiography identified congenital heart defects in 38 neonates, yielding 10.6% frequency. Acyanotic lesions predominated (81.6%), with ventricular septal defect being most common (47.4%). Family history showed a strong association with CHD (p<0.001), while lower five-minute APGAR scores demonstrated a modest correlation (p=0.049). Sex and birth weight were not significant predictors. Cardiac murmurs, cyanosis, tachypnea, and feeding difficulties were significantly more prevalent among affected neonates (all p<0.001), highlighting essential clinical screening indicators. Conclusion: This study demonstrates high frequency of congenital heart disease among neonates predominantly acyanotic and strongly associated with family history and clinical indicators such as murmurs and respiratory compromise.