Phenotypic profile and predictors of adverse outcomes during paediatric cardiac catheterisation at an academic hospital, South Africa

By
Crystal Chalwe
Antoinette Cilliers
Palesa Motshabi Chakane
Palesa Mogane
June 25, 2026
0 min

Frontiers In Pediatrics

Overview

This study analyzes pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures in South Africa, identifying key demographic characteristics and risk factors for complications. The Catheterisation RISk score for Paediatrics (CRISP) and age under one year were significant predictors of adverse outcomes.

Background

Pediatric cardiac catheterization is essential for managing congenital heart disease, particularly in resource-limited settings. Understanding the demographic and clinical profiles of patients can help improve care and outcomes.

Data Highlights

Characteristic	Value
Total Procedures	597
Median Age (IQR)	1.8 (0.8–4.0) years
Male Patients	52%
Patients on Anti-Failure Treatment	66%
Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension	40%
Mortality Rate	0.8%

Key Findings

The median age of patients undergoing catheterization was 1.8 years.
Age <1 year was associated with increased complications (AOR 1.83).
The presence of a congenital syndrome increased the odds of complications (AOR 1.72).
Peri-operative inotropes were linked to a significantly higher risk of complications (AOR 18.3).
Mortality in the cohort was low at 0.8%.
Pulmonary hypertension did not correlate with increased perioperative complications.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider age under one year and the presence of congenital syndromes when assessing risk in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Conclusion

This study reports on the outcomes of pediatric cardiac catheterization in a resource-limited setting, highlighting the patient population's characteristics.