Abstract
Introduction: Congenital heart defects (CHD) are among the most common types of birth defects globally, affecting a significant number of children each year. In Kazakhstan, including the Turkestan region, there is growing concern over the increasing prevalence of CHD and the challenges associated with early detection and treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated these issues by disrupting healthcare services, leading to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to specialized care. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence and outcomes of CHD in the Turkestan region, focusing on recent trends and the impact of the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the incidence, prevalence, and outcomes of congenital heart defects among children in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan between 2019 and 2023. Methods: All patients diagnosed with congenital heart defects registered in the hospital during the specified period were included in this information-analytical study using ICD-10 codes Q20-Q28. Age trends, prevalence rates per 100,000 population, absolute mortality counts, and outcomes of hospital stay were calculated. Results: The sample consisted of 5214 patients with congenital heart defects, of whom 890 were children under 1 year of age. During the study period, 2,374 surgical interventions were performed, and 173 in-hospital deaths were recorded. Conclusions: The study showed that congenital heart disease in children in Turkestan region is characterised by a high incidence at the age of 1 to 3 years, a higher incidence in girls and an increase in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients showed positive outcomes after hospitalisation and treatment, but mortality remained significant in cases of complex malformations.