title: Pediatric cardiac surgery in low- and middle-income countries or emerging economies: a continuing challenge.
abstract: A number of recent publications, addresses, seminars, and conferences have addressed the global backlog and increasing incidence of both congenital and acquired cardiac diseases in children, with reference to early and delayed recognition, late referral, availability of and access to services, costs, risks, databases, and early and long-term results and follow-up. A variety of proposals, recommendations, and projects have been outlined and documented. The ultimate goal of these endeavors is to increase the quality and quantity of pediatric cardiac care and surgery worldwide and particularly in underserved areas. A contemporary review of past and present initiatives is presented with a subsequent focus on the more challenging areas.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA nnguyen@luriechildrens.org.
authors: Nguyenvu
authors: N
authors: Nguyen
authors: International Children's Heart Fund, Worcester, MA, USA.
authors: A Thomas
authors: AT
authors: Pezzella
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000533:Altruism; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000592:standards; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D014943:Global Health; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007391:International Cooperation; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: congenital heart disease; congenital heart surgery; international collaboration; nongovernmental organizations