Causes of pediatric heart disease in Rasht and its relationship with clinical manifestation and demographic characteristic

BY:Chehrzad.M.M.MSN, Kamran.Z.BSN, Yazy.F.BSN,  Ghanbary.A.PhD in  Nursing

Introduction: Heart disease is the fifth cause of death in infants and children and %90 of these causes are related to congenital heart diseases.Nearly%20 of these children experience heart failure and surgery, but life expectancy for these children is increased by palliative and corrective surgeries. Demographic characteristics and clinical symptoms influence the progress of these diseases. So on time recognition of high risk infants can improve promotion of effective nursing programs and prevention of uncontrolled complications.

Objective: The goal of this study is to determine the common reasons for children referring to heart educational centers in Rasht city and their personal and clinical characteristics.

Methods: This retrospective research determined the causes of pediatric heart disease in Rasht and its relationship with clinical and demographic manifestation. The data collection tool consisted of a three part questionnaire which was filled through patient's medical charts (102 children) who referred to this center from 2004-2005.

Results: Findings showed that %57 of samples was males, %14 of them had a family history of heart disease and %4 of them had a sibling with heart disease, %5 of their mother used prescribed drugs in pregnancy. Forty-nine percent of all admission leads to surgery. The major cause of admission was VSD(%29.4)and the most clinical manifestation was fatigue(%83/3) and dispnea(76/5%).There was a significant  relationship between prevalent disease which leads  to surgery, demographic characteristics and its clinical  symptoms.

Conclusion: Recognition of demographic and clinical characteristics are useful for better nursing care plans in order to prevent unsuitable side effects.

Key words: pediatric heart disease, clinical manifestation, demographic character, Child