Twofold Message - Definitions and The Importance of Newborn Screening for CHD

I thought it would be helpful to explain the diagnoses that Drew has to all of you, as I have not done that yet on here. I have to thank Maureen for the PS definition, it's the best I've seen, and Hearts of Hope for the ASD definition.

Pulmonary stenosis— The pulmonary or pulmonic valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It opens to allow blood to flow from the right ventricle to the lungs. A defective pulmonary valve that doesn't open properly is called stenotic. This forces the right ventricle to pump harder than normal to overcome the obstruction.
If the stenosis is severe, especially in babies, some cyanosis (blueness) may occur. Treatment is needed when the pressure in the right ventricle is higher than normal. In most children the obstruction can be relieved by a procedure called balloon valvuloplasty. Others may need open-heart surgery. Surgery usually opens the valve satisfactorily. The outlook after balloon valvuloplasty or surgery is favorable, but follow-up is required to determine if heart function returns to normal.
Atrial septal defect: An atrial septal defect is a defect or hole in the wall that separates the upper two chambers of the heart (1). The upper chambers of the heart are called the atria (2) and the wall between them is called the atrial septum. Atrial septal defects are categorized by size and location. The size of the defect is usually described as small, moderate, or large. Precise measurement of defect size in millimeters can be provided by an echocardiogram. ASDs are further categorized by location of the defect within the atrial septum. Terms used to describe defect location include secundum, primum and sinus venosus atrial septal defects. Secundum atrial septal defects account for 80% of atrial septal defects and are located near the middle of the atrial septum. Sinus venosus ASDs are located high on the atrial wall near where the superior vena cava enters the heart (3). This type of defect is frequently associated with abnormalities in the pulmonary veins (4) that return blood flow from the lungs to the left atrium (left upper chamber). The third type of defect, primum atrial septal defect, is discussed in the section about atrioventricular septal defects. Rarely, children are born with complete absence of the atrial septum. About 50% of atrial septal defects close as the heart grows during childhood. Large atrial septal defects (measuring >8mm in diameter) are much less likely to close on their own.

Also, please watch this video that was posted today on my Heart Board. This baby wasn't diagnosed until 3 weeks of age, after countless weight checks. VERY similar to Drew, except Drew was able to gain weight eventually. This baby has a different diagnosis, and I am happy to report he is doing wonderfully! Still, it speaks to the need to have better prenatal AND newborn screenings for CHD. I will get a fetal echo with my next pregnancy because of Drew and I will demand an echo in the hospital, but I have "the history" for it...now.


CHD AWARENESS