Birth prevalence of congenital heart defects in Norway 1994-2009—A nationwide study

Abstract

The birth prevalence of CHD declined from around 2005. Specifically, the prevalence of severe CHD was reduced by 3.4% per year from 2004 through 2009.

Mortality and complications in 3495 children with isolated ventricular septal defects

“…The nationwide research project ‘Congenital Heart Defects in Norway’ includes all births in Norway in 1994–2009 6 23 24. This project includes medical data from the following sources: The Medical Birth Registry of Norway is a national health registry managed by The Norwegian Institute of Public Health.…”

Trends in Congenital Heart Defects in Infants With Down Syndrome

“…29 In recent years, congenital heart defects are reportedly less common in the general population, but the magnitude of changes observed among Swedish infants with Down syndrome is unlikely to be explained by factors related to such small general trends. 7,12 Instead, it is plausible that we are observing the consequences of selection. Although most cardiac malformations are treatable, complex malformations may contribute to parents' decision to terminate a pregnancy.…”

“…9 Recent studies from Norway and Canada have demonstrated small declines in the incidence of congenital heart defects over time in the general population. 7,12 Improved diagnostic tools like fetal echocardiography may have led to more pregnancy terminations when severe malformations are diagnosed antenatally. 13 A reduced incidence could also be related to general improvements in reproductive health, for example related to reduced maternal smoking and improved management of morbidities such as diabetes during pregnancy.…”

“…3,6 Approximately half of infants with Down syndrome are diagnosed with congenital heart defects, compared with a baseline risk of ∼1%. 7,8 Related complications, such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure may affect health and survival, 9 but a change in attitudes toward treatment of infants with Down syndrome, corrective heart surgery included, has improved prognosis. 10,11 For example, the infant mortality rate among infants with Down syndrome in Sweden has decreased from 41% during 1969 to 1973 to 4% during 1999 to 2003.…”

Out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in children with congenital heart defects

“…The total population in Norway increased from 4 324 815 to 4 799 252 during this period. CHDs, defined as structural abnormalities of the heart or intrathoracic vessels with functional or potentially functional significance,25 were identified in 11 272 (1.2%) children 12. Of these, the proportion classified as severe CHD was 23.7% (n=2 673) 12 20.…”