Late presentation of congenital heart diseases in low- and middle-income countries: impact on outcomes

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the delayed detection and presentation of congenital heart defects (CHDs) present significant hurdles, including challenges in assessing operability, unique surgical complexities during operations, and difficulties in post-operative care. Factors contributing to late detection include delayed diagnosis and referrals, limited healthcare resources, geographic barriers to specialized care, and lack of awareness leading to inappropriate medical advice. This narrative review discusses these challenges and how late presentation affects outcomes of CHDs in LMICs. A thorough assessment of operability tailored to each specific CHD, effective intraoperative strategies, and comprehensive post-operative care are crucial for achieving favourable outcomes. Current literature indicates that surgery for late-detected CHDs in LMICs can yield satisfactory results. Proper selection and management of this patient subgroup can mitigate the impact of late detection on outcomes.