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Congenital Heart Disease in Newborns

Congenital heart disease (CHD) refers to a range of heart defects that are present at birth. These defects can affect the heart’s structure, such as the walls, valves, or blood vessels, and they may impact how blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body. CHD is one of the most common birth defects, affecting about 1 in every 100 babies. Some forms of CHD are mild and may not require immediate treatment, while others can be more serious and need urgent care.

Some of the most common CHDs we treat include:

  • Atrial septal defect (ASD)
  • Atrioventricular canal defect
  • Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
  • Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
  • Coarctation of the aorta
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
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Symptoms

  • Bluish Skin (Cyanosis): A bluish tint to the skin, lips, or nails, especially during crying or feeding, could indicate low oxygen levels.
  • Rapid Breathing: Breathing that is faster than normal, even when the baby is at rest, can be a sign of CHD.
  • Poor Feeding: Difficulty feeding or tiring easily while feeding, leading to poor weight gain.
  • Swelling: Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or areas around the eyes.
  • Fatigue: Excessive sleepiness or lethargy, especially during feeding.
  • Recurrent lung infections
  • Less ability to exercise or play actively compared to other children
  • Poor weight gain

Causes

  • Genetics: CHD can run in families.
  • Some known associations include: chromosome abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13, and Turner syndrome, microdeletion or microduplication syndromes, such as DiGeorge syndrome, single gene defects
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain medications, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk of CHD.
  • Unknown Causes: In many cases, there is no clear reason why a baby is born with CHD.

Diagnosis

  • Pulse Oximetry: A small sensor placed on the baby’s skin measures the oxygen level in the blood. Low oxygen levels can indicate CHD.
  • Blood tests for possible genetic testing
  • Echocardiogram: This ultrasound of the heart allows doctors to see the heart’s structure and function in detail.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and helps detect abnormalities.
  • Chest X-ray: An X-ray can show the size and shape of the heart and whether there is any fluid in the lungs.
  • A Cardiac MRI/CT scan: Assess the anatomy and functionality of the heart and circulatory system.
  • Cardiac Catheterization: In more complex cases, this procedure involves inserting a thin tube into a blood vessel to reach the heart, allowing doctors to take detailed measurements and images.

Treatment Options

  • Medications: Some babies may need medication to help the heart function better or to manage symptoms like fluid retention.
  • Interventional Procedures: Certain heart defects can be treated using catheter-based techniques, where small tools are inserted through a blood vessel to repair the defect without open surgery.
  • Surgery: In more severe cases, open-heart surgery may be required to correct the defect. Sometimes, multiple surgeries are needed as the child grows.
  • Heart Transplant: In rare and severe cases where the heart is too damaged to be repaired, a heart transplant may be considered.
  • Ongoing Care: Babies with CHD often need long-term follow-up with a cardiologist to monitor their heart health as they grow.

Why Choose Us

Expert team

Our pediatric specialists have extensive experience in treating children.

Personalized care

We create treatment plans that fit each child’s unique needs

Support and education

We teach children and families how to care for them and prevent future cases

Advanced treatments

Access to the latest treatments and products

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What causes congenital heart disease?

A: The exact cause of CHD isn’t always clear. It can be due to genetic factors, environmental influences during pregnancy, or a combination of both. Sometimes, there’s no identifiable cause.

Q: Can congenital heart disease be detected before birth?

A: Yes, in many cases, CHD can be detected during pregnancy through a specialized ultrasound called a fetal echocardiogram. This allows parents and doctors to plan for any necessary treatments after birth.

Q: Is congenital heart disease curable?

A: Some forms of CHD can be completely corrected with surgery or procedures, while others may require ongoing management and care. The prognosis varies depending on the specific defect.

Contact

Please feel free to contact us with any general or medical enquiry by calling us.

+254-709-529-000

+254-733-645-000

Primary Clinic Days

Monday - Saturday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sundays & Public Holidays
9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Specialist Clinic Days

Monday - Saturday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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