Infant Diagnosed with Congenital Heart Anomaly
I have a nine-month-old son who was born prematurely at 33 weeks in Colorado. While in the specialized care unit, he developed an occasional arrhythmia that did not present consistently. Follow-up EKGs revealed it was absent at times. Additionally, an echocardiogram conducted a week after his birth indicated the presence of a small atrial septal defect (ASD). We were advised that there would be no need for another echocardiogram until he turns two, at which point they would check to see if the defect resolves itself. This seems like quite a long period to wait, but I didn’t voice my concerns. Given the lengthy waiting periods for pediatric specialists in my state, I wonder if that influenced their recommendation. Are there any doctors here experienced with managing follow-ups for small to medium ASDs? Should we really just monitor for two years to see if it closes? Is there a possibility that it could worsen?
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 2:01:13 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about your son's congenital heart anomaly and the follow-up recommendations are completely understandable, especially given the context of his prematurity and earlier arrhythmia episodes.
Main Points:
- Small atrial septal defects (ASDs) often resolve on their own, particularly in infants and young children.
- Regular monitoring is typically recommended, but the specific follow-up schedule can vary based on individual circumstances.
Explanation: An atrial septal defect is a small hole in the wall that separates the heart's upper chambers (the atria). In many cases, especially with small ASDs, these defects may close naturally as the child grows. The reason the recommendation was to wait until your son turns two for a follow-up echocardiogram is that many pediatric cardiologists believe that sufficient growth and development occur within that timeframe to determine if the defect has closed.
Regarding the arrhythmia, occasional irregular heartbeats can be common in infants, especially those who were born prematurely. They often do not indicate a serious problem when they are infrequent and resolve on their own.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your son’s health, such as fatigue, difficulty feeding, or any signs of respiratory distress. Note these down for your next appointment.
- Schedule a Follow-Up: If you feel uncomfortable with the wait and wish for a checkup sooner than two years, consider reaching out to your pediatrician. You can ask if they recommend seeing a pediatric cardiologist earlier, especially if you have any specific concerns.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about ASDs and their typical progression. Knowing more about what to expect can help alleviate concerns.
- Stay Connected: Join support groups for parents of children with congenital heart defects. They can provide insights and share experiences that may help you feel more informed and supported.
Taking these steps allows you to actively engage in monitoring your son's health while also addressing any lingering anxieties you may have. Your attentiveness is vital, and it’s always okay to seek more clarity from your healthcare providers, particularly when it comes to your child’s health.
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