Impact of COVID-19 on Congenital Heart Defects in Babies: Study Insights

A study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology examines heart defects in babies during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Prof. Kevin McConway, an Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, the study makes a case for further research. He finds the study statistically sound, but it has limitations. The study is observational, meaning the researchers did not intervene during the pregnancies. They based their conclusions solely on recorded observations. This type of study cannot definitively show causation.

The increase in heart defects observed may relate to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the study does not prove this. If the virus does cause an increase, the study does not explain how or establish the extent of the risk.

The results come from US data. Different countries had varied responses to the pandemic, which may affect outcomes. Data from other regions might tell a different story.

The main analysis was more complex than the press release suggested. The reported increase in cases might be around 11% to 12%, slightly less than the 16% mentioned. This increase is small since these defects are rare in the US, affecting only about 6 in every 10,000 live births.

The study lacked data on the parents’ vaccination or infection status, which limits its conclusions.

The research titled “Congenital heart defects during COVID-19 pandemic” by A. Khalil et al. was published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology on November 15, 2024.

DOI: 10.1002/uog.29126

Prof. McConway has no conflicts of interest.