Unrecognized Congenital Heart Disease among Thai Children
Jarun Sayasathid MD*, Kriangkrai Tantiwongkosri MD*, Naraporn Somboonna PhD**
Affiliation : * Cardiac Center, Naresuan University Hospital, Phitsanulok, Thailand ** National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand
Objective : To report on the prevalence of unrecognized congenital heart disease (CHD) among elementary
school children (231 schools, 6 cities in Tak province).
Material and Method: Between January, 2006 and December, 2006, 38,055 children were examined by
trained nurses and health officers to ausculate the precordium. Those with abnormal heart sounds were
re-evaluated by pediatric cardiologists.
Results : Of the 278 subjects with abnormal heart sounds, 43 had proven heart disease, 40 showed CHD (1.05
per 1,000) and three had rheumatic valvular diseases.
Conclusion : Understanding the case rate helped approximate the number of children who are currently
undetected but have heart problems or may develop heart problems in the future. Every diseased person will
receive treatment.
Keywords : Heart defects, congenital, Heart diseases, Prevalence, Schools, Students
