Creating Opportunities for Optimal Nutritional Experiences for Infants With Complex Congenital Heart Disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Neonatal Nutrition
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Single ventricle congenital heart disease (SV-CHD) presents unique challenges for infant feeding and growth.
• Successful breastfeeding outcomes during the interstage period following Stage I surgery are not well-documented.

Observation:

• A retrospective case study analyzed inpatient nutrition and home surveillance data.
• The study focused on an infant with SV-CHD managed through a home surveillance monitoring program.

Findings:

• The infant achieved successful full breastfeeding, exceeding weight growth goals, during the interstage period after Stage I surgery.
• The infant demonstrated significant weight gain from 3.41 kg at discharge to 7.05 kg at 5 months of age, exclusively through breastfeeding.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that successful breastfeeding is achievable in infants with SV-CHD, even during the critical interstage period.
• Multidisciplinary team collaboration, clear communication, and robust maternal support are crucial for facilitating breastfeeding success in these complex patients.