Nursing considerations for the neonate awaiting heart transplantation for the hypoplastic left heart syndrome

This article discusses the congenital heart lesion identified as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and the pretransplant management of the neonate born with this defect. Discussion of pretransplant management includes hemodynamic, ventilatory/pharmacological, immunologic, ethical, and economic considerations. An increased knowledge of these early management principles is a necessity, not only for nursing staff working with this population of heart transplant patients, but also for nursing staff in any center that may identify and need to stabilize an infant with this defect. Relevant nursing considerations are presented to assist nurses in supporting the neonate and his or her parents during the time when decisions about heart transplantation must be made.