Clinical and epidemiological features of Heart-Hand Syndrome: a hospital-based study in China

Heart–hand syndrome (HHS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by the co-occurrence of a congenital cardiac disease and an upper limb malformation. This study revealed the clinical and epidemiological features of HHS in China. The study was based on patients with congenital upper limb malformation treated in Beijing Ji Shui Tan hospital from October 1(st), 2013 to October 1(st), 2016. We reviewed the patients’ medical records and identified patients with abnormal ultrasonic cardiogram and/or electrocardiogram (ECG). A total of 1462 patients (910 male and 552 female) were identified to be treated for congenital upper limb malformation. Among them, 172 (11.8%) had abnormal ultrasonic cardiogram and/or ECG. Abnormal heart structure were discovered in 121 patients and 51 patients had abnormal ECG. The most common type of abnormal heart structure was tricuspid regurgitation (53/121, 43.8%), while the most common abnormal ECG was wave patterns (22/51, 43.1%). This hospital-based study suggests that the rate of congenital heart disease is high in patients treated for congenital upper extremity malformation in China. Surgeons and anesthetists should be aware of the comorbidity and preoperational examination of congenital heart diseases is highly needed to avoid complications during operation.