How can acyanotic heart disease be managed?

Question

Hi doctor,

My baby is a six-month-old female. Recently, we had a 2D echo test, and the result indicated acyanotic congenital heart disease. The report shows a small-sized ostium secundum ASD with a left-to-right shunt across the defect, approximately 8 mm in size. Why does this occur? What should I do now? Can medication cure it? Does it require surgery?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your child's report (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It indicates an atrial septal defect. A follow-up should be done until the child reaches one and a half to two years of age. There is an 80 to 90 percent chance that the defect will close on its own. If it does not close by then, once the child reaches a weight of 24 pounds, a decision can be made to close it either with a device or through open surgery (which is rarely required). There is no specific cause for this to occur, although in some cases, it may be genetic.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.