DefinePK

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the frequency of hematological abnormalities in pediatric patients with late-presenting, uncorrected cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD).
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Cardiology department in collaboration with Hematology & Transfusion Medicine at the University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore. Ethical committee approval was obtained prior to the study. From January to June 2022, 75 children aged 1 to 14 years with uncorrected cyanotic congenital heart defects were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Informed consent was obtained from parents/guardians, and participants' confidentiality was ensured. A structured questionnaire captured demographic and clinical data, while venous blood samples (2-3 mL) were collected for laboratory analysis using aseptic techniques. The study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines, and no conflicts of interest were reported by the authors.
Results: Among the 75 enrolled patients, the majority were male (61.3%) and younger than five years (61.3%). Hematological assessment revealed anemia in 12% and polycythemia in 36% of patients. Decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was observed in 62.7%, and low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in 78.7%, indicating relative iron deficiency anemia despite elevated red cell counts. Anemia was more prevalent in patients younger than five years. Coagulation profiles showed abnormalities in prothrombin time (55%), international normalized ratio (13%), and activated partial thromboplastin time (36%).
Conclusion: Hematological abnormalities, including relative iron deficiency anemia, polycythemia, and coagulation defects, are common in children over one year of age with uncorrected cyanotic congenital heart disease. Early detection and management of these abnormalities are crucial to improving clinical outcomes.