Doctors perform 2 surgeries to save 1-day-old baby with heart defect

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Trung Kien - Deputy Director of the Pediatric Center, Bach Mai Hospital said that the baby's mother came to the hospital for a check-up when she was 31 weeks pregnant. When performing an ultrasound at the provincial hospital, the doctor suspected that the fetus had a heart problem, so the mother was transferred to Bach Mai.

Through ultrasound examination, doctors at Bach Mai Hospital discovered that the fetus had severe pulmonary valve stenosis and hypoplastic right ventricle. The doctor recommended early intervention immediately after birth, otherwise the child's life would be in danger.

The mother was then transferred to the provincial hospital for monitoring. On February 20, the baby was born at 39 weeks, weighing 3.5 kg at Vinh Phuc Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital, and was immediately transferred to Bach Mai Hospital for pulmonary valve dilation. Three days later, the baby underwent a second intervention with stent placement.

The doctor re-examined the child before leaving the hospital.

“This is a difficult and delicate technique, especially for newborns, because the newborn’s blood vessels are fragile,” said the doctor. Newborns have low birth weight and poor resistance, making the intervention process difficult. Doctors are very careful because even a small mistake can affect the baby’s life. After two interventions, the baby’s health is now stable.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Nam - Director of the Pediatric Center, Bach Mai Hospital said that fetal echocardiography is extremely important. Diagnosis of congenital heart disease in the fetus is commonly performed in the world, bringing very clear results in treatment and prognosis, so that timely treatment can be given as soon as the child is born.

Dr. Nam recommends that pregnant women, in addition to regular ultrasound examinations of the fetus, should have a fetal echocardiogram and congenital heart screening for the fetus right in the womb. Being diagnosed and treated promptly after birth will ensure the safety of the child.

Nguyen Ngoan

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