PREVALENCE AND TYPES OF CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

Abstract

Introduction: Offspring of diabetic mothers have been shown to have a fivefold increased risk of congenital malformations compared to the general population, with congenital heart defects (CHDs) representing a major component. CHDs are among the leading causes of perinatal mortality in this group. Objective: To determine the frequency and types of CHDs in infants born to diabetic mothers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Medicine at DHQ Hospital, Sahiwal, from July 6, 2020, to January 5, 2021. A total of 100 neonates born to diabetic mothers aged 18–45 years were included. Preterm infants (<37 weeks) and those with syndromic or dysmorphic features were excluded. After informed consent, all neonates were evaluated for CHDs and classified accordingly. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.01 ± 4.73 years, with most mothers (69%) aged between 18–30 years. The average gestational age was 38.33 ± 1.28 weeks, and mean neonatal birth weight was 3.22 ± 0.49 kg. Among the neonates, 58% were male and 42% female (M:F ratio 1.5:1). CHDs were detected in 63 out of 100 infants (63.0%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high frequency of congenital heart defects among neonates born to diabetic mothers, reinforcing the need for early screening and targeted perinatal care in this high-risk population.