Comparison of Heart Failure Etiology and Management in Pediatric and Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Diseases

Background: Heart failure is a serious complication of congenital heart disease (CHD) in both pediatric and adult populations. Understanding differences in etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies is essential for improving outcomes and guiding targeted management across age groups.Objective: To compare the etiology, clinical features, and management of heart failure in pediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).Methodology: This Comparative analytical study was carried out at Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Centre, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from September 2023 to September 2024. A total of 200 patients were included, comprising 100 in the study group (50 pediatric and 50 adult CHD patients with heart failure) and 100 in the control group (50 pediatric and 50 adult CHD patients without heart failure). Data were analyzed for demographics, types of CHD, clinical features, management strategies, and outcomes. Ejection fraction (<55%) and elevated BNP levels were used to classify heart failure. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with p-values <0.05 considered significant.Results: This paper will compare the etiology, presentation, and treatment of pediatric heart failure as compared to the presentation and treatment in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). They included 200 patients, 100 heart failure, and 100 no heart failure, 50 pediatric and 50 adult patients in each group. Complex CHD was more prevalent in the study group with a lower ejection fraction (72% vs. 12% p<0.001), and higher BNP (84=7210, p<0.001). The study group received medications like diuretics (88%) and ACE inhibitors (72%). The study group (45), versus the control group (70); surgical processes were less invasive in the former compared to the latter.Conclusion:Risk factors such as impaired coronary arteries, late presentation and high complication rates are linked to CHD. The burden of heart failure in patients with CHD can be greatly minimized by early detection and management.