Heart disease during pregnancy in the KSA: A suggested plan

AbstractObjectivesCongenital heart disease in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal death in developed countries while rheumatic fever is the commonest cause of valvular disease in pregnancy in developing countries. Improvement in neonatal and paediatric cardiac surgery has increased the incidence of congenital heart disease in pregnancy worldwide. Published data regarding heart disease in pregnancy (HDP) in KSA are scant and relatively old. This study examines the current status of HDP in KSA and describes the rationale and design of the suggested plan for HDP in KSA, i.e., the Registry Of Saudi Heart Disease And Pregnancy (ROSHDAP).MethodsA systematic search was conducted through the ProQuest MEDLINE® database using the keyword phrase “cardiovascular disease in pregnancy”. An extensive literature review about heart disease in pregnancywas performed.ResultsThere are only 4 available Saudi studies of HDP. The ROSHDAP study is expected to establish a foundation for Saudi research in this field and will create an extensive database that will enrich knowledge about HDP. All Saudi women with HDP who wish to participate are eligible for enrolment in the registry. Five phases are planned for the registry, and data will be collected prospectively, confidentially, and electronically. The data will be transmitted from participating centres to a central coordinating office for data management and analysis.ConclusionThe ROSHDAP study suggested in this article will provide contemporary data on HDP in KSA that will promote research and encourage evidence-based medical care of pregnant women with heart disease