Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: An Overview for Primary Care Providers

Pediatr Rev. 2019 Jul;40(7):344-353. doi: 10.1542/pir.2018-0005.

Abstract

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is one of the most complex congenital heart diseases and requires several cardiac surgeries for survival. The diagnosis is usually established prenatally or shortly after birth. Each stage of surgery poses a unique hemodynamic situation that requires deeper understanding to manage common pediatric problems such as dehydration and respiratory infections. Careful multidisciplinary involvement in the care of these complex patients is improving their outcome; however, morbidity and mortality are still substantial. In this review, we focus on the hemodynamic aspects of various surgical stages that a primary care provider should know to manage these challenging patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Dehydration / etiology
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology
  • Fontan Procedure
  • Humans
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome* / complications
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome* / surgery
  • Infant
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Primary Health Care
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / etiology