What causes slow weight gain in a 1-month-old baby with VSD?

Question

Hello doctor,

My second son was diagnosed with a large VSD when he was 7 days old following a murmur detected when he was born. The Pediatric Cardiologist suggested open heart surgery at three months. Now, he is one month old and has not gained much weight, increasing by about 20 grams. He was 6.9 pounds when he was born and is now 7.4 pounds. Kindly help. My wife could not breastfeed him, as he does not have that much energy, so pumping and bottle feeding the baby. Baby has short breath and is now on Lasix. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sorry to hear about your child's health issues; I understand what you are going through.

A large ventricular septal defect (VSD) is associated with poor weight gain in babies. Due to reduced oxygen, the baby gets tired early while breastfeeding, which leads to poor weight gain. A 1 month-year-old baby's normal weight is between 7.49572 pounds - and 12.54 pounds. So your baby's weight is fine as of now.

I usually advise my patients to administer high-calorie formulas so that even if your baby feeds in small amounts, they can get the required nutrients. In severe cases, tube feeding is what I advise if necessary. But that is not necessary, as your baby's weight is fine for now. Hopefully, he will get better, as the Lasix will help with his condition.

I wish him a quick recovery.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.