Factors influencing the spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defect in infants

Abstract

This study is to prospectively evaluate the potential value of maternal and infantile variables as predictors for the spontaneous ventricular septal defects (VSD) closure in infants. Methods: Consecutive infants less than six-month-old when diagnosed with VSD, were followed-up for at least 5 years. Demographic, clinical and maternal factors were evaluated for the possible associations of the incidence of spontaneous VSD closure Of the 425 eligible infants, 93 had spontaneous VSD closure, 78.50% of which occurred when the patients were under 3 years of age. Diameter of the defect (D VSD), ratio between diameter of the defect and aortic root diameter (D VSD /D AR), left atrium sizes, left ventricle sizes, main pulmonary forward blood flow, infection scores, shunt ratio (Qp/Qs), VSD locations, and comorbidities including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and membranous septal aneurysm were independent predictors of spontaneous closure. However, maternal factors during the first 3 months of pregnancy and VSD infants with Down syndrome did not affect the spontaneous closure of infants with VSD. Conclusion: D VSD, D VSD /D AR, left atrium sizes, left ventricle sizes, main pulmonary forward blood flow, infection scores, Qp/Qs, VSD location, comorbidities including PDA, or membranous septal aneurysm may be used as potential independent predictors of spontaneous VSD closure in infants.