- female
- 2 Years
- 29/01/2025
I'm really worried about my baby girl. She's only 2 months old and was born preterm at 35 weeks. The doctors say she has a 6mm VSD, 3mm ASD, and moderate PDA, all left to right shunt. Her weight is 3.5kg right now. We've spoken to 23 pediatric cardiologists and they all recommend surgery, but were confused about the timing. Some say it should be done immediately, others suggest before she turns 6 months, or when she reaches 1 year and weighs about 10kg. Right now, she seems to be okayshe's gaining weight, feeding well, and has no symptoms related to the VSD. We just want to make the right decision for her. When would be the best time for the surgery?
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
In the case of your daughter with VSD, ASD, and PDA, the decision for surgical correction depends on various factors such as the size of the defects, the presence of symptoms, and the overall health of the baby. Since your daughter is currently asymptomatic and is gaining weight normally, the timing of the surgery can be a bit more flexible. Considering the moderate size of the defects and the left to right shunt, it is generally recommended to wait until the baby is a bit older and bigger before considering surgery. Most pediatric cardiologists suggest performing the surgery before the baby reaches 1 year of age or weighs around 10kg. This allows for the baby to grow and develop, making the surgery safer and potentially reducing the risk of complications. It is important to continue monitoring your daughter closely for any signs of distress or worsening symptoms. Regular follow-ups with the pediatric cardiologist are crucial to track the progress of the defects and determine the optimal timing for the surgical correction.
Dr. Dhankecha Suggests...
Consult a Paediatric Cardiologist
Answered 04/07/2025
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More Paediatric Cardiology Health Queries
View allI'm really worried about my daughter who's 81 days old. She has a PDA of 3.2mm as per her recent echo report, but last month it was 3.7mm. Her breathing isn't normal during feeding times. Do you think the PDA can close on its own, or should we be considering surgery? If surgery is needed, are there any long-term health issues we should be concerned about? I'd really appreciate some guidance on this.
considering the improvement from 3.7mm in the previous month, the decision for closure can be made based on various factors such as symptoms and overall health condition. If the breathing condition is abnormal during feeding, it may indicate the need for intervention. If surgical closure is recommended, it is generally a safe procedure with low risk. Some potential complications after PDA closure surgery may include infection, bleeding, or rare instances of residual shunting. However, the benefits of closing a significant PDA usually outweigh the risks. One commonly prescribed medication post-PDA closure surgery is Ibuprofen at a dosage of 10 mgkgdose every 6 hours for 3 doses, followed by 5 mgkgdose every 6 hours for 48 hours. This helps in reducing inflammation and promoting closure of the ductus arteriosus. It is important to follow up with your pediatric cardiologist for regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure proper healing and development. If you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in your daughter's health, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I'm really worried about my 15-day-old baby's diagnosis of a hole in the heart, specifically VSD. It's strange that no scan picked it up earlier. The doctor mentioned waiting a couple of months, and if it doesn't close on its own, we might have to consider surgery. I'm really anxious about the future and the potential complications from surgery. Is there any alternative to surgery we should be considering? I'm looking for some guidance here.
The advice is appropriate.As per the echo the location of this defect usually does not close by itself. However the size of defect is not considerable...we have to wait for a few months or years...keep reviewing symptoms and repeat echo and then decide about need and timing of surgery. Even surgery if needed in present times the outcomes are very good.So don't worry from now. For further clarification
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
I'm really concerned about my 6-month-old who's been diagnosed with an 8 mm ostium secundum ASD and a left to right shunt. What kind of treatment options are available for this, and what might the costs be? Are there hospitals in Kerala known for handling such cases? I'm kind of unsure how serious this is and what our next steps should be.
the primary approach is usually observation and monitoring, as many small ASDs close on their own over time. However, if the ASD is large or causing symptoms, it may require intervention. In such cases, the surgical closure of the ASD may be recommended. One common medication used before surgery to manage symptoms and prevent complications is Furosemide. The typical dosage for a 6-month-old would be around 1-2 mgkg per dose, given 1-2 times per day. For the surgical closure of the ASD, hospitals in Kerala that specialize in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery can provide the necessary treatment. Some renowned hospitals in Kerala known for their pediatric cardiac care include AIMS (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences), Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, and Aster Medcity. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the hospital, the specific treatment plan, and any additional complications. It is best to directly contact the hospitals mentioned above and inquire about the cost estimation for the surgical closure of an 8 mm ostium secondum ASD in a 6-month-old child.
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
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