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Abstract
Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are among the most common congenital anomalies and represent a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Maternal diabetes, including pre-existing and gestational diabetes mellitus, has been consistently associated with an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations. However, local data regarding the frequency of CHDs among infants born to diabetic mothers remain limited, highlighting the need for regional epidemiological evidence to support early diagnosis and preventive strategies.
Objective: To determine the frequency of congenital heart diseases among infants born to diabetic mothers attending a tertiary care hospital and to evaluate the demographic and clinical factors associated with these cardiac anomalies.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study will be conducted over six months at the Department of Pediatrics, Bacha Khan Medical Complex/Gajju Khan Medical College, Swabi, Pakistan. A total of 360 infants aged 0–12 months born to mothers with either gestational or pre-existing diabetes mellitus will be recruited using convenience sampling. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire, medical record review, clinical examination, and echocardiography to confirm CHDs. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including maternal age, diabetes type, and glycemic control, will be recorded. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics will summarize the prevalence of CHDs, while Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests will assess associations between categorical variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Expected Outcomes: The study is expected to establish the prevalence of congenital heart diseases among infants of diabetic mothers and identify associated maternal and neonatal factors. The findings will provide baseline regional data to support targeted screening, optimize prenatal counseling, and improve the clinical management of diabetic pregnancies