apollo
  • female
  • 3 Years
  • 14/08/2025

My 3-year-old daughter has a 15 mm ASD and isn't gaining weight well she's only 12 kg. Can she get a device closure at this weight or does she need surgery? Should we wait another year to see if she grows more first?

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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?

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.

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My daughter suddenly fainted while running and we later found out she has a hole in her heart. What are the treatment options for this? Can homeopathy really help cure it since I've heard it can treat surgical cases? Or will she definitely need surgery?

open heart surgery and catheter based procedure is advised to the patient.

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My baby is just over 2 months old and he has a 6.5 mm mid muscular vsd with left to right gradient of 10 mmHg. I'm really worried because he's not gaining weight, he only weighs 3.3 kg right now and he was 2.200 gms at birth. His breathing seems really fast and during feedings, he takes lots of breaks. What should I do?

Based on the symptoms you described, your baby may benefit from medication to help with the symptoms of congestive heart failure and to support his heart function. One commonly used medication for this condition is Furosemide. The typical dosage for infants with congestive heart failure is 1-2 mgkg per dose, given 1-2 times per day. However, the exact dosage and frequency should be determined by your pediatrician based on your baby's specific needs. Additionally, your baby may also benefit from medication to help with weight gain. One option is Mirtazapine, which can stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in infants. The typical starting dose for infants is 15-30 micrograms per day, but this should be adjusted by your pediatrician based on your baby's response. It is important to consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric cardiologist for a thorough evaluation and to discuss the best treatment plan for your baby's specific condition. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential in managing congenital heart defects in infants.

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