Levels of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease correlate with the type of heart defect
and severity of hemodynamic disturbance. In these children, malnutrition is multifactorial, involving
increased energy expenditure, low spontaneous intake, increased fluid loss, malabsorption, and associated
chromosomal or other abnormalities. Nutritional assessment is complex, requiring a screening
checklist that identifies infants with congenital heart disease at risk of feeding difficulties or inadequate
nutritional intake, using classic anthropometry and indirect calorimetry. Nutritional support is important
and must include energy requirements, glucose, protein, fat, electrolytes, mineral, vitamins, and fluid
requirements providing sufficient calories and avoiding fluid overload. An oral, enteral, or parenteral
route may be used depending on the nutritional status, caloric intake, and hemodynamic stability. Early
surgical repairs reduce congestive heart failure and influence growth in these children.