Iranian Heart Journal

Iranian Heart Journal

Clinical Outcome of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in an African Tertiary Hospital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Okechukwu Samuel Ogah 1
Adebukola Temilade Adeyanju 2
Olanike Allison Orimolade 2
Oluwaseun Grace Alabi 3
Oluwatosin Zainat Makinde 3
Franklin Ekene Obiekwe 4
Miracle Ndochukwu Odenigbo 4
Osinachi Chibuikem Ihediohanma 4
Dimeji Abdulsobur Olawuyi 4
Jonas Lotanna Ibekwe 4
Ifunanya Nebo 4
Kolawole Olalekan 4
Victor Oluwafemi Femi-Lawal 4
christabel Ijeoma Uche-Orji 4
Samuel Olubunmi Amoko 4
Joshua Odunayo Akinyemi 5
Oladimeji Muritala Adebayo 6
Akinyemi Aje 2
Abiodun Moshood Adeoye 1
Olulola Oladapo 1
Adewole Adebiyi 1
1 Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
2 Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3 Remilekun House, No 72 Adekunle Fajuyi Road, Ekotedo, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
4 Alexander Brown Hall, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
5 Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
6 Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Abstract
Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary myocardial disease of unknown cause characterized by left ventricular or biventricular dilatation and impaired myocardial contractility. Morbidity and mortality in patients with DCM remain high. Data on DCM outcomes in Africa are lacking. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and outcome of DCM at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
 
Methods: Analysis of data collected over 6 years (September 1, 2016, through August 31, 2022). Information included sociodemographics, clinical features, echocardiographic diagnosis, morbidity, and mortality.
 
Results: During this period, 127 cases of DCM were seen: 91 males (71.7%) and 36 females (28.3%) aged 52.0 (SD, 16.0) years (range, 17–86 years). More than 90% had formal education, and 108 (85%) were married. A history of current or past alcohol consumption was documented in 62 (48.5%). At 1-year follow-up, 27 (21.3%) of the 127 patients died. Those who died were older and had higher body mass index and white blood cell count but lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, systolic blood pressure, and sodium level. Decedents were more likely to be male (P = 0.018) and to consume alcohol (P = 0.029).
 
Conclusions: Our data show that male sex and alcohol use are predictors of mortality in patients with DCM seen at UCH Ibadan. (Iranian Heart Journal 2026; 27(1): 26-36)
Keywords
dilated cardiomyopathy
outcome
heart failure
mortality
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Iranian Heart Journal
Volume 27, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 26-36