Key Questions
1. What is the prevalence of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease (CHD)?
Malnutrition (undernutrition) is highly prevalent in children with CHD, particularly in low-income settings, and often persists before and after cardiac surgery.
2. How does malnutrition impact children with CHD?
Malnutrition is associated with poorer motor development and growth outcomes, both pre- and post-cardiac surgery, and exacerbates complications related to CHD.
3. What interventions can improve growth outcomes in these children?
Regular growth monitoring, assessment of feeding ability, and early referral for nutritional support and speech therapy are essential to address malnutrition in children with CHD.
4. What were the main findings of this study?
The study found significant improvements in weight and head circumference by 6 months post-surgery, though full catch-up growth was not achieved.
