HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME

HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME

• Occurs when parts of the left side of the heart does not develop completely
• This condition is present at birth (congenital)
• Most commonly in the mitral valve, left ventricle, aortic valve, and aorta

CAUSES

• As with most congenital heart defects, there is no known cause
• Develops before birth when the left ventricle and other structures do not grow properly
• This causes the left ventricle and aorta to be poorly developed, or hypoplastic

SYMPTOMS/SIGNS

• Symptoms occur a few hours after life
• Bluish skin, cold hands&feet, lethargy, poor pulse
• Poor feeding, pounding heart, rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Signs- faster heart rate, liver-enlargement

TREATMENT

• The baby will be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit
• A ventilator may be needed to help the baby breathe
• Prostaglandin E1 is used to keep blood circulating to the body
• These measures do not solve the problem. This condition always requires surgery

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• There is no known prevention for hypoplastic left heart syndrome
• As with many congenital diseases, the cause of hypoplastic left heart syndrome is uncertain
• This defect has not been linked to a mother's disease or behavior