Baby's Got Heart: Congenital Heart Issues in Newborns

Abstract

Pediatric congenital heart defects primarily occur during fetal heart embryological development. This purpose of this thesis was to provide a comprehensive review of the basic cardiovascular physiology, focusing on three separate components - the heart, the blood vessels, and the blood - and a current look at three common occurring conditions. The congenital heart defects are reviewed with an anatomical overview of the condition, patient presentation, current surgical repairs, and life expectancies following successful repair. Repairs of tetralogy of fallot report mortality rates below 3%, compared to a 50% mortality rate prior to development of surgical repairs (Apitz). Transposition of the great arteries repaired with the relatively new Nikaidoh procedure show 95% late survivability rates (Martins). For truncus arteriosus, currently 83% of patients survive past 15 years (Soriano). Continuing research and refinement of existing surgical techniques are expected to increase survivorship from this congenital heart defects. To help families and patients understand that congenital condition their loved one may have, a very easy to understand picture book was created. This can hopefully inspire further improvements in family resources to aid in comprehension of congenital heart diseases.