Micronutrients in Children in Critical Care With Cardiac Conditions

Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children and Infants With Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) Admitted for Cardiac Surgery: A Proof-of-concept Study

This study aims to explore the frequency and types of micronutrient deficiencies in a sample of UK children with CHD using standard and novel markers in blood. The study will also explore whether micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of complications after heart surgery. This study will identify any nutrient deficiencies that need monitoring in clinical practice.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects in the UK. Children with CHD are at risk of underfeeding and undernutrition. This is due to both the increased nutritional requirements of the disease and sometimes clinical management, which often hinders delivery of optimal nutrition.There are as yet no studies assessing micronutrient body stores in children with CHD or whether micronutrient deficiencies predict poor clinical outcomes, such as post-operative complications, after major cardiac operations.

This study aims to explore the frequency, types and associations of micronutrient deficiencies in children with CHD using standard and novel markers in blood. The study will also explore whether micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of complications after heart surgery. This study will identify any nutrient deficiencies that need monitoring in clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infant or child admitted for elective congenital cardiac surgery at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow.
• Aged less than 5 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infant or child admitted for emergency cardiac surgery
• Infant or child whose carer with parental responsibility is unable to communicate in English