Predicting the future for neonates with symptomatic congenital heart disease

Abstract 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.