Malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) determinants and short term impact of corrective intervention.

OBJECTIVE To identify determinants of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and examine the short-term effects of corrective intervention. METHODS Patients with CHD admitted for corrective intervention were evaluated for nutritional status before and 3 months after surgery. Detailed anthropometry was performed and z-scores calculated. Malnutrition was defined as weight, height and weight/height z-score or= 2 children; height z-score <or= -2 (26.3%): small for gestation, lower maternal height and fat intake, genetic syndromes; and weight/height z-score <or= -2 (55.9%): CHF, age at correction, lower birthweight and maternal weight, previous hospitalizations, religion (Hindu) and level of education of father. Comparison of z-scores on 3-month follow-up showed a significant improvement from baseline, irrespective of the cardiac diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Malnutrition is common in children with CHD. Corrective intervention results in significant improvement in nutritional status on short-term follow-up.