Clinical profile of patients with tetralogy of Fallot admitted for surgery at a cardiac surgical centre.

INTRODUCTION

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a conotruncal defect, has been documented to be associated with chromosome abnormalities, single gene syndrome (22q11 microdeletion), known teratogens, with the rest associations being multifactorial. This study was carried out to determine the clinical profile and associated risk factors in patients with TOF admitted for surgical repairs.

METHODS

Case files of all patients admitted for Tetralogy of Fallot over a period of one year were retrieved from the Medical Records Department and reviewed. Data on the patients' and their family history and associated cardiac anomalies were noted.

RESULTS

There were 54 patients, 37 males and 17 females, with a mean age of 6.8 years +/- 7.1. Sixty percent were born between July and December, 81.5% as full term and 44% as first born. Twenty-six percent were born into consanguineous marriages. Five patients had dysmorphic features. Associated cardiac anomalies included right aortic arch, pulmonary atresia, dextrocardia and left superior vena cavae.

CONCLUSION

The associated risk factors noted in this study were male sex, birthdates between July and December, first born and increased paternal age. Other risk factors were consanguinity and specific patterns of cardiovascular diseases associated with 22q 11 deletions. This suggests a multifactorial etiology for TOF.