Congenital Heart Disease – Pediatric Overview
Overview
Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to structural abnormalities in the heart present from birth. These defects can vary from mild (requiring only observation) to severe (requiring intervention). Treatment and follow-up depend on the specific defect and its impact on heart function.
Types of Congenital Heart Defects
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Pulmonary or Aortic Valve Stenosis
Coarctation of the Aorta
Ebstein’s Anomaly
Single Ventricle Defects (e.g., Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome)
Tetralogy of Fallot
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC)
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Symptoms
Symptoms vary by defect but may include:
Breathing difficulties
Poor feeding and growth
Fatigue
Cyanosis (bluish skin)
Frequent respiratory infections
Heart murmur
Causes
Most congenital heart defects arise from unknown causes, though genetics and environmental factors during pregnancy (e.g., infections, medication use, or maternal conditions) may play a role.
Diagnosis
Echocardiography (ECHO)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Chest X-ray
Cardiac MRI or CT
Cardiac catheterization
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity and type of defect:
Observation: For small, asymptomatic defects
Medication: To control symptoms or stabilize the patient before surgery (e.g., diuretics, digoxin, prostaglandins)
Catheter-Based Interventions: For PDA, ASD, VSD closures, and valvuloplasty
Surgery: Required for more complex or severe defects
Multistage Surgery: For single ventricle conditions (e.g., Norwood, Glenn, Fontan procedures)
Valve Replacement: In stenotic or leaky valves, either surgically or via catheter
Arterial Switch Operation: For TGA within the first month of life
Complications
Heart rhythm issues
Heart failure
Valve dysfunction
Need for repeat procedures
Pulmonary hypertension
Endocarditis
Growth and development delays
Prevention
While not all CHDs are preventable:
Prenatal care and screening
Managing maternal health conditions
Avoiding teratogenic drugs
Genetic counseling for high-risk families
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