Predicting the future for neonates with symptomatic congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE: Determine prenatal and neonatal factors that predict infantile outcomes in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of 415 neonates with CHD admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Statistical tests included Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Cardiac lesion type was associated with mortality, length of stay, and enteral feeding tube support at discharge (EFTD) (p ≤ 0.01). A genetic diagnosis and an extra-cardiac congenital anomaly were associated with higher odds of respiratory support needs at discharge (RSND) [OR 2.8 (95% CI: 1.2, 6.5); 4.8 (1.9, 11.8)] and EFTD [5.5 (2.9, 10.8); 3.4 (2.4-9.7)]. Lower birth weight was associated with higher odds of RSND [0.5 (0.38, 0.66)], and lower gestational age with higher odds of EFTD [0.84 (0.75, 0.95)]. CONCLUSION: Several factors predicted adverse outcomes in infants with CHD, helping to identify high-risk cases for targeted care and improved parental guidance.