- female
- 9 Years
- 29/01/2025
I'm really worried about my 9-day-old baby who weighs just 3kg right now. The doctors mentioned something about an 8mm ostium secundum ASD and a left to right shunt. Can you explain what this means for my baby? Does this require immediate treatment or monitoring? Is there a chance it could affect their growth or overall health? I've also noted their birth weight was 2.88kg. I'm hoping to understand this better, as I'm quite anxious.
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View allI'm really worried because my fourth baby was found to have a small hole in the heart during an echo test done by a baby heart specialist. He said there's no need for medication right now and just advised a follow-up in six months. Does this mean it could be serious? Will this affect my baby's life in the future? What kind of care should we be giving our baby, and are there any treatments we should consider?
It sounds like your baby has been diagnosed with a small hole in the heart, also known as a ventricular septal defect (VSD). In many cases, small VSDs can close on their own as the child grows. It is important to follow up with the baby heart specialist as recommended. In the meantime, you can ensure your baby receives proper nutrition and regular check-ups. It is important to monitor your baby for any signs of respiratory distress, poor feeding, or failure to thrive. If the VSD does not close on its own and causes symptoms, the specialist may recommend surgical intervention. However, in many cases, no treatment is necessary and the hole may close on its own over time. Remember to follow the specialist's advice and attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring the VSD.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I'm really worried about my three-year-old nephew who had open heart surgery on Tuesday for a block and a hole in his heart. He's been on a ventilator since then. Today, the doctors mentioned there is some bleeding, and now he's having seizures. They've also asked us to get an epicetam injection. Is this a common occurrence after such surgeries, or should we be more concerned? The surgery took place at PGIMER Chandigarh.
The bleeding and seizures your nephew is experiencing after open heart surgery could be due to various reasons, including the stress of the surgery, the use of blood thinners during the procedure, or underlying medical conditions. Epilectam injection is likely being prescribed to help control the seizures. It contains the active ingredient Levetiracetam. The usual dosage for children is based on their weight, typically around 20 mg per kg, given twice a day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by the healthcare team at PGIMER Chandigarh. If you have any concerns or questions about your nephew's condition or treatment, please discuss them with the medical team caring for him at the hospital.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
My baby is just over 2 months old and he has a 6.5 mm mid muscular vsd with left to right gradient of 10 mmHg. I'm really worried because he's not gaining weight, he only weighs 3.3 kg right now and he was 2.200 gms at birth. His breathing seems really fast and during feedings, he takes lots of breaks. What should I do?
Based on the symptoms you described, your baby may benefit from medication to help with the symptoms of congestive heart failure and to support his heart function. One commonly used medication for this condition is Furosemide. The typical dosage for infants with congestive heart failure is 1-2 mgkg per dose, given 1-2 times per day. However, the exact dosage and frequency should be determined by your pediatrician based on your baby's specific needs. Additionally, your baby may also benefit from medication to help with weight gain. One option is Mirtazapine, which can stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in infants. The typical starting dose for infants is 15-30 micrograms per day, but this should be adjusted by your pediatrician based on your baby's response. It is important to consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric cardiologist for a thorough evaluation and to discuss the best treatment plan for your baby's specific condition. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential in managing congenital heart defects in infants.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.






