Results—There was no significant diVerence
between groups in terms of parental
education status, socioeconomic level, duration
of breast feeding, and number of
siblings (p > 0.05). Group cP patients
ingested fewer nutrients for their age
compared to other groups. 37 of the 89
patients were below the 5th centile for
both weight and length, and 58 of 89
patients were below the 5th centile for
weight. Mild or borderline malnutrition
was more common in group aP patients.
Most group cp patients were in normal
nutritional state, and stunting was more
common than wasting. Both moderate to
severe malnutrition and failure to thrive
were more common in group cP patients.
Conclusion—Patients with CHD are
prone to malnutrition and growth failure.
Pulmonary hypertension appears to be
the most important factor, and cyanotic
patients with pulmonary hypertension are
the ones most severely aVected. This study
shows the additive eVects of hypoxia and
pulmonary hypertension on nutrition and
growth of children with CHD.