Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Diagnosis
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is usually diagnosed during an ultrasound around the 20th week of pregnancy. The left side of the heart is usually so underdeveloped that it isn't easily seen on the sonogram. When the condition is diagnosed, the expectant mom and dad are often urged to find a pediatric cardiologist. Plans will then be made for the mom to deliver the baby at a hospital or center that is equipped to deal with severe congenital heart defects.
If the diagnosis wasn't made during the ultrasound, there are some symptoms that begin to manifest after the first few days of life. Initially, the baby will look healthy and pink, but after a few days, he will lose his color and look very pale. His limbs may be cold because of the lack of blood flowing to the brain, body and vital organs.
Treatment
A series of heart surgeries, called the Norwood procedure, is usually done to treat this condition. The first surgery is usually done within days of birth, the second is usually done around six months old and the third is done around 18 months. In some cases, additional surgeries are needed.
For some children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a heart transplant is the best treatment. If the child's condition worsens before a donor heart is available, the child may be placed on a device called a Berlin Heart. The Berlin Heart isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration for general use, so it is only available at certain medical centers around the United States under a compassionate care status where each case is considered individually by the Food and Drug Administration.
Prognosis
Regardless of the method of treatment that is used for the baby, the child will be on medications and will be monitored very closely by a cardiologist for life. Multiple stays in the hospital and various home health care procedures are normal for a child with this condition.
Life Expectancy
The specific life expectancy for children with this condition is made on a case by case basis. Some infants live a very short life, sometimes only days. Other infants respond well to treatments and live well past the teen years.
One reason for the variations is that many children that are born with this condition have other medical conditions that compound treatment. Variations in treatment plans and care options are another contributing factor.
Published by Casey L. Holley
Casey Holley is a freelance writer specializing in Christian content and medical content. She has more than a decade of experience. She also enjoys writing about animals, beauty, fitness, weight loss, travel... View profile
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