Profile of Congenital Heart Disease in Children with Down’s Syndrome Attending an Early Intervention Center in a Teaching Hospital in South India

ABSTRACT

Background: Down’s syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder and the association between Down’s syndrome and congenital heart disease (CHD) is well established. The spectrum of CHD in Down’s syndrome shows wide variations due to genetic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors. The incidence of CHD in Down’s syndrome is around 40–60% and contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality in these children in the first 2 years of life. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the incidence and spectrum of CHD in children with Down’s syndrome attending special clinics. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective, observational, and monocentric study done over a period of 3 years (2016–2019). Echocardiogram was done to all children at the first visit. Results: Of the 120 children studied, 62 had CHD (52%) and ostium secundum atrial septal defect was the most common lesion (36%). Conclusions: The incidence of CHD in Down's syndrome in this study is 52%. Hence early cardiac screening is of paramount significance in all children with Down's syndrome.