Congenital Heart Disease in Low- and Lower-Middle–Income Countries: Current Status and New Opportunities

• Published in: Current cardiology reports Vol. 21; no. 12; p. 163
• Main Authors: Zühlke, Liesl, Lawrenson, John, Comitis, George, De Decker, Rik, Brooks, Andre, Fourie, Barend, Swanson, Lenise, Hugo-Hamman, Christopher
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-12-2019
• Subjects: Capacity Building; Cardiology; Child; Delivery of Health Care - organization & administration; Delivery of Health Care - trends; Developing Countries; Forecasting; Global Cardiovascular Health (GY Bukhman; Heart Defects, Congenital - epidemiology; Heart Defects, Congenital - therapy; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pediatrics - trends; Poverty; Prevalence; Quality Improvement; Section Editor; Topical Collection on Global Cardiovascular Health; Global access to health care; Adults with congenital heart disease; Congenital heart disease; Children; Cardiac surgery; Cardiac interventions; Low- and lower-middle–income countries
• ISSN: 1523-3782; 1534-3170
• DOI: 10.1007/s11886-019-1248-z

Purpose of Review
The paper summarises the most recent data on congenital heart disease (CHD) in low- and lower-middle–income countries (LLMICs). In addition, we present an approach to diagnosis, management and interventions in these regions and present innovations, research priorities and opportunities to improve outcomes and develop new programs.
Recent Findings
The reported birth prevalence of CHD in LLMICs is increasing, with clear evidence of the impact of surgical intervention on the burden of disease. New methods of teaching and training are demonstrating improved outcomes. Local capacity building remains the key.
Summary
There is a significant gap in epidemiological and outcomes data in CHD in LLMICs. Although the global agenda still does not address the needs of children with CHD adequately, regional initiatives are focusing on quality improvement and context-specific interventions. Future research should focus on epidemiology and the use of innovative thinking and partnerships to provide low-cost, high-impact solutions.