Congenital Heart Disease in Neonates: Diagnosis and Clinical Profile in A Morrocan Intensive Care Unit

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Military Hospital of Rabat, Morocco

*Corresponding author: Anass Ayad, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Military Hospital of Rabat, Morocco, Phone: 0661315979, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: September 11, 2025

Published Date: October 29, 2025

Citation: Ayad A, et al. (2025). Congenital Heart Disease in Neonates: Diagnosis and Clinical Profile in A Morrocan Intensive Care Unit. Neonatal. 6(2):26.

Copyrights: Ayad A, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly and a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Data on neonatal CHD in Morocco remain scarce. Objective: To describe the clinical profile, risk factors, management, and outcomes of neonates with CHD admitted to a Moroccan tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted over a 4-year period (2020–2024). Neonates with echocardiographically confirmed CHD were included, excluding minor lesions such as patent foramen ovale or small atrial septal defect. Clinical presentation, risk factors, therapeutic modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Among 150 neonates screened, 75 were diagnosed with CHD (62% male). Consanguinity (34%) and maternal infections especially viral ones (20%) were the most frequent risk factors. The most common presenting symptoms were respiratory distress (88%) and feeding difficulties (85%). Acyanotic lesions predominated (63%), with VSD being the most frequent (26%). Among cyanotic lesions, TOF and TGA were the most common. Mortality was high, particularly in complex cyanotic CHD, while acyanotic lesions showed better short-term survival. Conclusion: CHD is a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality in Morocco. Strengthening antenatal screening, early diagnosis, and referral to pediatric cardiac centers is essential to improve outcomes.

Keywords: Congenital Heart Disease, Neonate, Cyanotic Heart Disease, Ventricular Septal Defect, Transposition of Great Arteries, Outcome, Mortality, Morocco.