Long-term management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: the diagnostic approach at All Children's

Gul H Dadlani1, Katherine Braley, Elimarys Perez-Colon

  • 1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, All Children's Hospital Heart Institute, 601 5th Street South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, USA. Gul.dadlani@allkids.org

Cardiology in the Young
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Improved survival in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome means more patients live with single-ventricle physiology. Regular screening for cardiac and organ issues is crucial for these young adults.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Single Ventricle Physiology

Background:

  • Improved survival rates in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) result in a growing population of patients with functionally univentricular hearts.
  • These individuals require specialized, long-term medical care due to their unique cardiac anatomy and physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of routine surveillance for children and young adults with functionally univentricular physiology.
  • To outline key areas for comprehensive screening in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • The study reviews current understanding and clinical practice regarding the management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
  • It highlights the necessity of a multi-faceted screening approach.

Main Results:

  • Patients with functionally univentricular hearts require ongoing monitoring for a range of potential complications.
  • Comprehensive screening should encompass structural and functional cardiac issues, arrhythmias, and thromboembolic disease.

Conclusions:

  • Routine, comprehensive surveillance is essential for optimizing the health and outcomes of survivors of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
  • Future guidelines are needed to standardize care plans for long-term management.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...