www.womanthismonth.com 45 February 2013 | About one out of every 80 is born with heart defects each year in the Kingdom of Bahrain, while only one out of every 145 is born likewise in the USA. A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a defect found in any component of the heart since birth. These failings set off in the early weeks of pregnancy when the organ is in the stage of forming. Some babies and children with the disease experience no symptoms. The defects may be diagnosed if the paediatrician or family physician hears an abnormal sound called a murmur. However, children with normal hearts can also have similar hums, called innocent or functional murmurs. In some cases, the defects can result in congestive heart failure. In this condition, the heart can’t pump adequate blood to the lungs or other parts of the body. It can lead to fluid build-up in the organs. An affected child may experience rapid heartbeat and breathing difficulties, particularly during exercise. Infants may experience these complications during feeding, sometimes resulting in poor weight gain. Affected infants and children may also experience swelling in the legs, abdomen or around the eyes. The obvious sign A number of heart defects result in a pale greyish or bluish colouring of the skin called cyanosis. This typically appears soon after birth or during infancy and should be evaluated straight away by a paediatric cardiologist. In certain cases, cyanosis may be delayed until later in childhood. The appearance of this discolouration is an indication of defects that avert the blood from getting enough oxygen. As a result, patients with cyanosis may fatigue easily. Symptoms such as shortness of breath and fainting often worsen when the child exerts himself. Some may squat frequently to ease their shortness of breath. Babies and children who are suspected of having a heart defect are usually referred to a paediatric cardiologist. After a physical examination, he/she often recommends one or more of the following tests: chest X-ray; electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a test that records heart rate patterns; and an echocardiogram, which is a special form of ultrasound that uses sound waves to take pictures of the heart. All of these tests are painless and non-invasive. Be cautious Parents who have previously had a child with a heart defect do have an increased possibility of having other affected children, often with a similar flaw. In many cases, the risk is low. Some heart defects have about a two to three per cent chance of recurrence. However, the risk may vary, depending on the kind of defect. If a child’s heart imperfection is part of a syndrome of other birth defects, the risk of reappearance in another pregnancy may be much higher. Parents who have had a child with CHD must consult their paediatric cardiologist and can discuss with a genetic counsellor to unearth the hazard to any future children. Those who themselves have or had a heart defect also are at an increased risk of having an affected child and ought to consider consultation before you decide to have a child. For feedback, comments or questions contact Dr Jinan Darwish via email at: [email protected] • Rubella (German measles) during the first three months of pregnancy • Viral infections like the flu • Exposure to certain industrial chemicals or solvents • Alcohol consumption or using cocaine in pregnancy • Certain medications: acne medication containing isotretinoin; thalidomide used for rare skin disorders; certain anti-seizure medications; first-trimester use of trimethoprim-sulfonamide (a combination of antibiotics sometimes used to treat urinarytract infections) • Maternal diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes • Chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Velocardiofacial syndrome, HoltOram syndrome and Alagille syndrome What can cause CHD? Column Know Your Child’s Heart
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