Congenital heart disease in neonates with external congenital anomalies in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) has been found to be more common in neonates with other congenital anomalies and may worsen prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of internal congenital anomalies including CHD will improve outcome and decrease neonatal mortality. This study determined the prevalence of CHD among neonates seen with external congenital anomalies in Jos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We performed complete physical examinations on 2,340 neonates delivered in two tertiary hospitals in Jos, Nigeria. We identified neonates with external congenital anomalies and determined the prevalence of congenital heart defects in them using echocardiography. Data were analysed using STATA 14.0. Results: External congenital anomalies were present in 49 of the 2,340 neonates recruited − prevalence of 20.9 per 1,000, with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Fourteen (28.6%) neonates were syndromic. CHD was present in 15 of 49 (30.6%) neonates studied– prevalence 30.6 per 100. The mean age of the parents with neonates who had external congenital anomalies and CHD was significantly higher than those without CHD. Conclusion: CHD frequently co-exists with external congenital anomalies especially in syndromic neonates. Hospital-based surveillance systems are needed to capture accurately both internal and external congenital anomalies to improve outcome in these group of neonates.