Impact of maternal age on congenital heart disease among children in Diyala Province, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Indication on the tendency and forte of correlation between maternal age and the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) in different age group sets is arguing. This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal age and the prevalence of congenital heart disease in Diyala Province, Iraq. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Batool Teaching Hospital during the period from July1st 2022 to the end of January 31st 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire was recruited to collect clinical and sociodemographic information using face to face interview with the mothers. Chi–square was used to compare the variables. Statistical finding was considered when it ≤ 0.05.

Results: Out of the 80 children diagnosed with congenital heart diseases, 46 (57.5%) were boys and 34 (42.5%) were girls. More than half (42, 52.5%) exhibited symptoms of CHD within the first month. Most cases were of moderate severity, including ventricular septal defect (21, 26.3%), atrial septal defect (20, 25.0%), and patent ductus arteriosus (10, 12.5%). However, all 14 cases of transposition of the great arteries were severe. The majority of mothers (87.5%) had cesarean sections, with 63.8% aged 25-34 years, and 74.0% residing in urban areas. The study found no significant correlation between maternal age and the incidence of CHD.

Conclusion: In conclusion, there was no significant difference between the maternal age and the risk of CHD, however, numerous other studies do suggest a relationship.