Faltering growth is an important finding in infants and children with congenital heart disease

Commentary on: Diao J, Chen L, Wei J, et al. Prevalence of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pediatr. 2022 Mar;242:39-47.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.10.065. Implications for practice and research Faltering growth is a phenomenon associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). Associated adverse physiological and developmental outcomes require further investigation Context CHD is the most common birth defect affecting approximately 0.8% of live births, with many requiring surgical intervention early in infancy.1 Despite medical advances faltering growth remains common in these children, although catch-up growth following surgical correction has been demonstrated.2 Malnutrition is defined by z-scores less than –2 SDs from the mean for weight-for-age (WAZ); weight-for-length (WHZ) and length-for-age (HAZ).3 This systematic review by Diao et al4 evaluates the worldwide prevalence of malnutrition in children with CHD. Methods...
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Child health Commentary Source Type: research