TY Law, LY So

Abstract

Introduction: Ventricular septal defect is the most common congenital heart lesion in newborns. Incidence and natural history vary depending on the study method. Very few local studies are available. This study aims to provide information about the incidence, anatomical type and disease course including the spontaneous closure rate of isolated ventricular septal defects diagnosed in infancy in Hong Kong. Methods: Infants who were diagnosed to have isolated ventricular septal defects with echocardiography were followed to at least 6 years of age or till defect closure. Patients' demographics, clinical data, echocardiogram images and reports were reviewed and analysed. Results: 237 infants with isolated ventricular septal defects were identified. The incidence was 4.97/1000 live births. The spontaneous closure rate was 60% for all defects, 55% for perimembranous defects, 79% for muscular defects and 7% for subarterial defects. Conclusion: This study provided updated local information on the incidence, anatomical type, natural history, and spontaneous closure rate of ventricular septal defects diagnosed in infancy.