How to manage cyanotic heart disease in a 5-month-old baby?

Question

Hi doctor,

My five-month-old baby girl was diagnosed with cyanotic congenital heart disease, fossa ovalis ASD (4 mm). The fetal profile was clean. She has an ear infection and is taking antibiotics for it. Please refer to the attached report for details.

How concerning is this?
Should or can anything be done to fix it right away, or should we wait?
Is there medication to fix, or is this surgery only?
If it is surgery only, when should I go for it, and where?
How should we care for her meanwhile?
If I go for a second scan for confirmation, is that harmful to her?

Really scared and need advice.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. No need to worry. Small ASD (atrial septal defect) usually closes by itself in a few months to years. My suggestion is that there is no need to fix it at this time.

When indicated to close, options are device closure and surgical closure. I suggest you have a second scan when she is one year old.

Symptoms are shortness of breath, recurrent chest infections, and a bluish color when crying (when large and symptomatic).

Hope this helps.

Kind regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is small. Usually, small ASDs do not cause any issues and usually close themselves.

Kind regards.